FACT CHECK: What you do and don’t need REAL ID for
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - People are rushing to get in compliance with REAL ID requirements before they go into effect on May 7. It requires going to the DMV with lot of very specific paperwork. It’s potentially confusing. KCTV5 gathered the facts to help you sort out the process.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I ALREADY HAVE A REAL ID?
A REAL ID compliant state driver’s license will have a star symbol in the upper right hand corner. A Real ID will have that.
Here is an example from the Kansas Department of Revenue:
DO I NEED A REAL ID?
It’s a good idea to prepare you for all places you may eventually go, whether planned or not. You may find yourself needing to fly in an emergency even if you don’t typically.
However, not everyone needs one and certainly not everyone needs a REAL ID before the deadline, so some checking before you rush to the DMV in a panic.
WHERE DO YOU NEED IT?
Federal Property
You’ll need a federally accepted ID to enter certain federal buildings, such as military bases and federal courthouses.
Certain federal buildings such as post offices and social security offices do not require a REAL ID.
Domestic Air Travel
You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable ID to fly domestically to pass through security checkpoints as usual.
WHAT OTHER ID IS ACCEPTABLE?
A passport is also an acceptable ID. If you don’t already have a passport, be aware that a REAL ID is less expensive to get than a passport.
There are multiple, less commonly held forms of ID that can be used, such as a Global Entry card, a permanent resident card, a Veteran Health ID, and certain Tribal Nation photo IDs. You can find the full list on the TSA’s REAL ID web page.
An ordinary driver’s license will still get you through a TSA checkpoint, but it can lead to a the headache of additional security screening, which could include being directed to a separate screening area for identity verification.
The TSA indicates it will also accept a state-issued photo ID or U.S. passport that is expired by up to two years for domestic air travel.
However, the TSA warns that rules can change at any time, so it’s strongly recommended that you get one before you fly.
READ MORE: ‘Irritating, annoying and unexpected’: Hundreds swarm DMVs ahead of REAL ID deadline
WHERE YOU DON’T NEED A REAL ID
- Children (under the age of 18) do not need a REAL ID.
- You don’t need a REAL ID to drive. A regular driver’s license is still legal for driving.
- You don’t need a REAL ID to vote.
- You don’t need a REAL ID to apply for federal benefits such as Social Security.
- You don’t need a REAL ID to enter a post office or a Social Security office. Those federal buildings are not on the list of places where it is required.
- In places where a REAL ID is required, a passport will suffice in its place. However, a REAL ID is less expensive to get than a passport and it’s more convenient to carry.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET A REAL ID?
Some people have been showing up with loads of paperwork and still find out, after they wait in long lines and get to the window with a clerk, that they are missing something.
Firstly, you should advise that what you want is a Real ID or you might just get a regular driver’s license.
You will need to bring with you proof of your name, date of birth, lawful status in the United States, Social Security Number, and state residency. Below are some examples in each category.
(1) Proof of your identity and lawful status in the United States. Some of the most common examples are the following:
- Unexpired U.S. passport. Be sure it’s not expired before you go if this is the form of proof you are bringing.
- State issued birth certificate. It has to be the original with the raised seal.
- Naturalization card
- Unexpired permanent resident card or employment authorization card
(2) Proof of Social Security number. Examples include the following:
- Social Security card. A laminated copy may not be accepted.
- Current W-2 or 1099 showing full Social Security Number.
- Current pay stub showing full Social Security Number
(3) Two items to prove your state residency. Don’t forget to bring two. A regular driver’s license requires only one. Accepted items generally include the following:
- Vehicle registration
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
That means paper documents. Electronic documents will not be enough.
(4) Proof of legal name change
If you’ve had a legal name change and the names on all the documents you bring do not match, you will also have to provide proof of your legal name change. Examples include the following:
- Certified state issued marriage certificate
- Court ordered divorce decree
- Legal adoption paperwork
The examples above are the most common items in each category. There are others, so you should check the list at your state’s DMV or Department of Revenue if you don’t have any of the examples listed above.
The full list in Kansas can be found on this Kansas Department of Revenue page.
Answers to more detailed questions can be found on the KDOR REAL ID FAQ page.
The full list in Missouri can be found here in a handy checklist format that you can print out and check off before you head out the door. The Missouri Department of Revenue also has a webpage with answers follow-up questions you may have as a Missouri resident.
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