The enforcement deadline to require either a passport or the REAL ID driver’s license for identification for domestic flights or to enter a federal building have been changed from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021.
“Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as directed by President Donald J. Trump, is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline beyond the current October 1, 2020 deadline. I have determined that states require a twelve-month delay and that the new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021. DHS will publish a notice of the new deadline in the Federal Register in the coming days,” according to United States Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf. “The federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline. Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the Administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts. States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs. This action will preclude millions of people from applying for and receiving their REAL ID. Extending the deadline will also allow the Department to work with Congress to implement needed changes to expedite the issuance of REAL IDs once the current health crisis concludes.”
On October 1, 2021, the federal government will no longer consider a standard driver’s license and identification card as sufficient form of identification for domestic air travel. The Transportation Safety Administration will require the federally compliant REAL ID driver’s license to fly within the U.S. According to Aldo Filippelli, Deputy Registrar at the North Royalton BMV, “the key part for everyone to understand is that if you have a valid passport, you can utilize it to fly domestically or enter a federal building.” The REAL ID is not mandatory. A standard driver’s license or identification card can still be used, just not for domestic flight identification, or access to federal buildings, including military bases after October 1, 2021. NOTE: INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, INCLUDING CANADA AND MEXICO, STILL REQUIRES A PASSPORT.
To prove identity for a REAL ID, you must show proof of the following five elements: Full Legal Name; Date of Birth; Proof of U.S. Legal Presence; Social Security Number; Proof of Address. According to Filippelli, a birth certificate, valid US passport/passport card or U.S. naturalization document would be accepted for the legal name, date of birth and U.S. legal presence. For the social security element, a valid social security card or most recent W-2 or 1099 will suffice. For the proof of address, two documents with the applicant’s name and current address will be accepted. Filippelli said that the name on all documents should be the same, in order to provide continuity.
“You will need to provide all required identity documents for a first time issuance of a driver license or identification card, regardless of your choice of a compliant or standard card. A standard Ohio driver’s license or identification card needs no additional documentation at time of renewal. Both cards allow you to prove your identity for tasks like buying alcohol, obtaining social services or registering to vote, with just the driver’s license. Both the compliant driver license and standard driver’s license will be valid for all lawful driving purposes,” according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “The compliant card and standard card will cost the same.”

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer