What is the Real ID and Who Needs It
Travelers over the age of 18 flying domestically or people who need to enter federal buildings will be required to carry a new ID called REAL ID or a passport starting May 7.According to the Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID is a form of identification created to establish security standards among government-issued documents, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, prompting the United States to implement minimum security standards and resulting in the creation of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration.) If you do not have a U.S. passport and are over 18 years old, you must replace your driver’s license with one that meets the REAL ID requirements. This form of identification will be valid for eight years and can be distinguished by the star in the upper right corner. While the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles website has a guide on the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID, including the $40 cost, it is advisable to make sure you have the necessary documents ready before you make an appointment to apply for it. With that in mind, make sure you prepare your passport or birth certificate, two documents verifying your legal residency in Alaska, your social security number, and that all forms of identification are up-to-date and not expired. The government is pushing this new form of identification, which supposedly streamlines the security process at the TSA, but other than that, it doesn’t offer many additional benefits. Unless you need to enter federal institutions or military bases, you likely already have a valid federal ID, such as a passport, military ID, or certain tribal photo ID. For those who do not have a federal ID, if you are traveling, fortunately, the TSA will accept alternative documents, such as a permanent resident card, a border crossing card or passports issued by foreign governments. Considering the current uncertainty with the government and political division, it is important to keep the proper documents up to date to avoid complications when traveling or in any other situation. If you are traveling and have another form of photo ID, you can visit the TSA website to verify its validity: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification |