REAL ID is Here
On March 25, the Missouri Department of Revenue will begin issuing driver’s licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID Act. Once the new licenses are available, Missouri will finally fall in line with this 2005 law, which was passed in response to the 9-11 attacks and established minimum standards for driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards.
There’s been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the REAL ID law. Opponents fear the creation of a national ID card. Others express concerns about invasions of privacy or a potential security breach into a database that will eventually contain vital information about virtually every adult in the United States. Personally, I think those concerns have merit.
The fact remains, though, that REAL ID will soon be a reality in the Show-Me State. There are a number of things Missourians need to know. Most importantly, some form of REAL ID will be required in order to board a domestic airline or enter a federal facility after Oct. 1, 2020. A traditional Missouri driver’s license will not be an acceptable form of identification at federal security checkpoints after that date. That information is especially relevant to those of us who may occasionally need to access Fort Leonard Wood or visit a federal courthouse.
What is rarely stated is that a driver’s license is not the only form of identification that will comply with the REAL ID law. A U.S. Passport or Department of Defense identification card will also satisfy the REAL ID requirement, as will a few other documents. So, you’ll still be able to drive on post or board a plane after October 2020 with a passport or military ID.
Also, Missourians will not be forced to get a REAL ID. The Department of Revenue will continue to issue non-compliant licenses and ID cards. You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote or prove your age. Your traditional Missouri identification will work just fine. There’s also no need to rush out and replace your current driver’s license, as it remains valid until it expires.
If you decide to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license, you’ll need to bring a few things with you to the driver’s license office to establish your identity, lawful status in the United States and Missouri residency. At the very least, you’ll need a U.S. Passport or birth certificate, your Social Security card or a W-2 form and two proofs of residency, such as a voter registration card, utility bill or bank statement. You can find details online at https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information.
You may not like the notion of the REAL ID. I don’t care for it, either. But REAL ID is here, or will be after March 25. If you fly on airplanes or visit federal facilities, you may decide you need one. If you don’t do those things – or you’re willing to carry a passport with you when you do – you can safely skip the REAL ID line and continue using a regular Missouri driver’s license.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.