Have you heard of the REAL ID? Information is starting to show up in mailboxes, online newsletters, social media and emails. Don’t dismiss it. It’s something you’ll want to look at if you haven’t already.
In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, a federal law in the wake of 9/11 which changed national security standards for identification documents. The result are requirements setting additional security measures for federally approved IDs used in air flight, or when entering a federal building. Driver’s licenses are the most common ID used for these purposes.
It’s taken since 2005 to work through the long implementation process as all 50 states applied for extensions to figure how they were going to comply. Timelines kept shifting, but now we’re there.
As of October 1, 2020, anyone looking to board a commercial airplane, even on domestic flights, or anyone needing or wanting to enter a federal building will have to show a REAL ID compliance license/ID, or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, in order to get on the plane or gain access to the building. A REAL ID will also be required to enter a nuclear power plant; not too many of us will need to worry about that one. Some people will not need a REAL ID.
It’s a good cause, and it’s also created a lot of questions.
Per the National Center on Law & Elder Rights (NCLER), a national resource center for legal services and aging and disability networks, the REAL ID has generated real confusion among older adults.
NCLER provides a number of helpful clarifications. For example, what is meant by a “federal facility”? A federal facility generally means what’s defined as a secure federal facility or military base.
NCLER points out that a REAL ID is not needed to: a) apply for federal benefits administered by Veterans’ Affairs or the Social Security Administration, b) enter a post office or other federal facility not needing identification, c) ride Amtrak or other public ground transportation, or d) visit a hospital or receive life-saving services.
What happens if you don’t have a driver’s license? Instead of a driver’s license, a REAL ID compliant state ID can be attained through the Secretary of State’s office. And, if you’re over age 65, there won’t be a cost to getting a compliant ID.
While Michigan has been designated as fully compliant with its efforts to get everyone the identification they need, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is pointing out that only 47% of Michigan driver’s licenses and state ID cards are REAL ID compliant.
NCLER points out that access to justice is a core element of the parent concept, the rule of law. Legal awareness is considered a key component in assuring access to justice. If people don’t know a law affects them, they may end up with a problem. There’s a need to get the word out.
So how does someone get a REAL ID if they need one and don’t have one? You can one get through your nearest Secretary of State (SoS) office.
If you show up at a SoS office, there might be very long lines. To avoid this, go on Michigan’s website at www.Michigan.gov.sos . Along the bottom of the home page, you see “schedule an appointment” – click on this. At the next screen, “schedule an appointment” will again appear at the bottom of the next page – click it again. You’ll be prompted to put in a zip code for the closest SoS office. Follow the directions to request an appointment.
Especially if you’re a traveler, don’t put this off. It will become very important.