Weekly Column for Aug. 29, 2019
Recently, you may have heard about an issue called REAL ID and how it applies to state-issued ID cards. This issue dates back to the Real ID Act of 2005. The REAL ID Act is a federal law focused on fraud protection, anti-terrorism and ID card security. Following a number of legislative sessions that saw debate regarding out state’s compliance with the REAL ID Act, the General Assembly passed legislation giving citizens the option of choosing whether or not they apply for a REAL ID-compliant state ID like a driver’s license.
Here are a few things to remember during your next trip to the DMV:
- If you want a REAL ID-compliant ID, you must notify the person assisting you that you want to receive one. If you do not, then you will receive the standard, noncompliant Real ID driver’s license or ID card.
- Effective Oct. 1, 2020, residents of every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another form of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (like a passport) to board federally regulated domestic flights. Individuals will also be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses, and to enter nuclear power plants.
- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently finalized an update to its DoD-wide installation security policy, and is in the process of no longer accepting licenses and ID cards marked as being noncompliant with REAL ID across all of its facilities and installations. This policy change impacts DoD installations in all states, not just Missouri. Anyone planning to visit a military base should contact the base in advance to obtain information regarding ID requirements.
- There are other forms of ID that are compliant with the REAL ID Act, including passports and military ID cards.
If you have any questions regarding READ ID and compliance with new laws, visit https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information/.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3678 or by email at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions.