2 weeks Ago By Emma Crabtree
DRIVERS have just weeks left to take action before a major driving license change comes into effect that will impact travel.A new ID policy coming in next month will mean that Americans must apply for a new driver’s license or identification card in order to fly within the US and enter secure federal buildings. GettyA major change is being introduced to driver’s licenses in a matter of days (stock)[/caption]WBTV NewsLines are mounting outside DMV centers as Americans apply for their Real IDs[/caption]The new ID’s will feature a gold or black star or yellow bear in the top right hand cornerAFIMSCDrivers are urged to apply for a REAL ID-compliant license before the deadline on May 7.
After this, standard licenses will no longer be valid for domestic air travel or access to certain government buildings. REAL ID’s apply to anyone over the age of 18 who wish to access these services. It comes after Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 that Homeland Security said would “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards”.
As the deadline for the change looms, drivers wanting to transfer their IDs are being urged to make an appointment with the DMV.While initial parts of the process can be carried out online, an in-person visit is essential and as Americans rush to beat the clock, slots are quickly filling up with long lines forming at DMVs.Footage from packed DMV offices already show the long waits faced by drivers as they rush to beat the deadline.
Some have said they were forced to wait almost three hours for an appointment at their local centre.Others have claimed they’ve had to wait weeks for their Real IDs to arrive in the mail, so drivers must act soon to make sure they have the right ID when the change comes in.HOW TO APPLYSeveral documents are needed in order to apply for the new ID.
These are official documents showing your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of residence and your legal status.Applications should be submitted even if your license is not due to expire.It is free to do so and along with your official documents, a new photograph must be taken and submitted to the DMV office.
The REAL ID will be identified by a gold or black circle with a star in the top right corner of the card. Applying for a REAL IDThe process varies by state, but residents will need a few documents to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline. No matter the state, the application process can be started online by scanning and uploading the necessary documents, basic information, and Social Security numbers.
Once submitted and reviewed, an in-person visit to the DMV or your state’s department agency is necessary for an attendant to verify the documents.From there, a thumbprint will be recorded in the system, and a photo will be issued for the ID before it’s mailed.The documents needed are those that show:Full legal name (previous driver’s license, passport, etc)Date of birth (like a birth certificate, or an official copy of one)Social Security number (Social Security card)Two proofs of residence (like a utility bill or voter registration card)Lawful statusSource: Department of Homeland SecurityIn California, a yellow bear will be found in the corner instead.
“If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft,” the Department of Homeland Security said.This change was originally due to be introduced in 2008 but the deadline had been repeatedly pushed back until now.For drivers not looking to fly domestically, the standard license will continue to be valid.
A REAL ID is also not a requirement for voting.Those who do not apply for a REAL ID will still be able to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, but will have to bring another form of identification accepted by the TSA.This includes a US passport, a border crossing card, valid permanent resident card, or US Department of Defense ID.
Those who attempt to fly without a REAL ID or other accepted form of identification could “face additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” the TSA warned.These travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before any domestic flight due to these potential delays.While the change will be brought in on May 7, its enforcement is due to be phased in.
GettyAppointments must be booked with local DMV sites to complete the application for a new license[/caption]WBTVDrivers are rushing to their DMV centers to get the Real ID, causing hours-long lines[/caption].
