In the United States, a REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets the security standards established by the federal government's REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it is designed to make it more difficult for terrorists and other criminals to obtain false identification documents.
REAL ID cards are issued by state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) and are available to all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. To obtain a REAL ID, you will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. You will also need to pass a background check.
The REAL ID Act has been met with some controversy, as some people believe that it is an unnecessary invasion of privacy. However, the government argues that the law is necessary to protect national security.
What is a REAL ID?
Government-issued identification card.
- Meets federal security standards.
- Issued by state DMVs.
- Available to citizens and residents.
- Requires proof of identity and residency.
- Background check required.
- Controversy over privacy concerns.
- Government cites national security.
- Mandatory for certain activities.
- Accepted at airports and federal facilities.
The REAL ID Act has been met with some controversy, as some people believe that it is an unnecessary invasion of privacy. However, the government argues that the law is necessary to protect national security.
Meets federal security standards.
In order to meet federal security standards, REAL ID cards must include a number of security features, including:
- A tamper-resistant design: The card must be made of a durable material that is difficult to alter or counterfeit.
- A unique identification number: Each card must have a unique identification number that is linked to the cardholder's personal information.
- A photograph of the cardholder: The card must include a photograph of the cardholder that is taken in person at the DMV.
- A signature strip: The card must include a signature strip where the cardholder can sign their name.
- Machine-readable technology: The card must include machine-readable technology, such as a barcode or magnetic strip, that can be used to verify the cardholder's identity.
In addition to these security features, REAL ID cards must also be issued by a state DMV that has been certified by the federal government. This certification process ensures that the DMV is following all of the security requirements for issuing REAL ID cards.
The REAL ID Act also requires states to share information about REAL ID cardholders with the federal government. This information is used to help prevent fraud and identity theft.
REAL ID cards are an important part of the effort to protect national security and prevent terrorism. By meeting federal security standards, REAL ID cards help to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access certain facilities and services.
Issued by state DMVs.
REAL ID cards are issued by state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs). This means that you will need to apply for a REAL ID card at your local DMV. The process for obtaining a REAL ID card varies from state to state, but there are some general requirements that you will need to meet.
- Proof of identity: You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of residency: You will need to provide proof of your residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Social Security number: You will need to provide your Social Security number.
- Pass a background check: You will need to pass a background check in order to obtain a REAL ID card.
Once you have met all of the requirements, you will be issued a REAL ID card. The card will be valid for eight years from the date of issuance.
It is important to note that not all states are currently issuing REAL ID cards. However, all states are required to be issuing REAL ID cards by October 1, 2020. After this date, REAL ID cards will be required for certain activities, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
To find out if your state is currently issuing REAL ID cards, you can visit the DMV website for your state.
REAL ID cards are an important part of the effort to protect national security and prevent terrorism. By issuing REAL ID cards, state DMVs are helping to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access certain facilities and services.
Available to citizens and residents.
REAL ID cards are available to all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This means that if you are a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you are eligible to apply for a REAL ID card.
To apply for a REAL ID card, you will need to visit your local DMV and provide proof of your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will also need to pass a background check.
Once you have been issued a REAL ID card, you will be able to use it to access certain facilities and services, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
It is important to note that not all states are currently issuing REAL ID cards. However, all states are required to be issuing REAL ID cards by October 1, 2020. After this date, REAL ID cards will be required for certain activities, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
REAL ID cards are an important part of the effort to protect national security and prevent terrorism. By making REAL ID cards available to all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, the government is helping to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access certain facilities and services.
Requires proof of identity and residency.
In order to obtain a REAL ID card, you will need to provide proof of your identity and residency. This is because REAL ID cards are designed to be a secure form of identification that can be used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
- Proof of identity: You can provide proof of your identity by providing a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identification card.
- Proof of residency: You can provide proof of your residency by providing a utility bill, lease agreement, or other document that shows your name and address.
The specific documents that you will need to provide will vary depending on the state that you live in. You can find a list of the required documents on the website of your state's DMV.
Background check required.
In order to obtain a REAL ID card, you will need to pass a background check. This is because REAL ID cards are designed to be a secure form of identification that can be used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
- Criminal history: The background check will look for any criminal convictions that you have.
- Outstanding warrants: The background check will also look for any outstanding warrants that have been issued for your arrest.
- Immigration status: The background check will also verify your immigration status to ensure that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Terrorist watch list: The background check will also check to see if you are on any terrorist watch lists.
The specific criteria that are used to conduct the background check will vary depending on the state that you live in. You can find more information about the background check process on the website of your state's DMV.