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REAL ID card: what it is, what it is for and how to obtain it | Digital Trends Spanish


If there is something that distinguishes the United States, it is that it is one of the few countries that does not have an identity document for its citizens. However, part of that is about to be resolved with the law that creates the REAL ID card. If you still don’t know what it is, we’ll explain what is the REAL ID card and how to get it.

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The first thing that needs to be clarified is that the REAL ID law does not create a national identity document, but it does set the security standards that states must implement for their respective cards. In addition, it establishes that its use will be mandatory for certain procedures.

What is the REAL ID law

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, materialized one of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations that the federal government “establish standards for the issuance of identity documents,” including identification cards. or state driver’s licenses.

The legislation establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the requirements.

Why should you have a REAL ID card?

A person shows his ID card
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The federal REAL ID law establishes new rules about what forms of identification can be used to board flights within the United States and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other national facilities.

You may not need a REAL ID card to do some things, including voting, banking, or applying for some government benefits.

In fact, states continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID, but are valid for driving or other activities.

When will the REAL ID card be mandatory on commercial flights?

Although the initiative was to take effect in October 2021, the implementation of the REAL ID law was postponed until May 3, 2023. The measure applies to all passengers over 18 years of age.

If the document does not meet REAL ID requirements, you will not be able to board a commercial flight regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or enter federal buildings.

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However, if you don’t have a REAL ID card, you can board a commercial flight with one of these documents:

  • US passport.
  • Identification card of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Permanent residence card (“Green Card”).
  • Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by a state.
  • Passports issued by foreign countries.

How to verify that your license meets REAL ID requirements

To verify that your driver’s license or state identification document meets the requirements required by the REAL ID law, you must verify if it has a star at the top.

For example, a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card issued by California meets the requirements and is identified with a golden bear, a star, or bears the text “enhanced.” These are examples of current REAL ID cards:

How to get a REAL ID card

If you need to get a REAL ID card, you can do so when you renew your driver’s license or state-issued identification card. At least you must present documents that contain the following information:

  • Full legal name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Social Security number.
  • Two proofs of primary residence.
  • Legal status.

However, states may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver licensing agency website:

The complete list is available on the website of the Federal Department of Transportation.

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