DHS offers states increased flexibility for REAL ID applications

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials is providing state governors with increased flexibility regarding electronic submission of required documents for REAL ID applications.

Specifically, DHS said states may now add identity and lawful status source documents, through a secure electronic process, before an applicant’s in-person Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) visit. The result will be a more streamlined process for DMVs and the American public.

“Ensuring every state is REAL ID compliant by October is one of the Department’s top priorities. That is why we have solicited ideas, solutions and proposals from the public, private sector, state governments, and relevant associations in an effort to provide greater flexibility to states for faster, streamlined issuance of REAL IDs,” DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said. “While progress has been made, the real work is still ahead because approximately two-thirds of all licenses are presently not compliant with REAL ID. Rest assured, our Department will continue to examine other viable options to improve upon this process and continues doing everything it can to inform Americans on the requirement to obtain a REAL ID before the full enforcement deadline later this year.”

Currently, 48 of the 50 states are issuing REAL IDs, and all states are on track to have them in the next few months. On Oct. 1, 2020, REAL ID will be required for domestic air travel.

At the end of January, more than 95 million REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID cards have been issued – representing about 34 percent of the 276 million. DHS urges the American public to get a REAL ID immediately and not wait until the deadline.