DHS initiates Real ID public awareness campaign

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new nationwide Real ID public awareness campaign that addresses requirements while encouraging action before the Oct. 1, 2021, full enforcement deadline.

“Be Your REAL ID Self” urges Americans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or passport card, before the deadline and recommends motorists check their state-issued driver’s license or identification card for the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the upper left- or right-hand corner.

Most acceptable alternatives, such as state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) – available in five states and used for entering the country at land and sea border crossings, do not have the star but are acceptable for official REAL ID purposes.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet the standards.

Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting document security features into licenses and identification cards, preventing insider fraud in producing those licenses and cards, ensuring security of production facilities, and requiring presentation and verification of information to ensure a person is who he or she claims to be.

The TSA website has a list of acceptable forms of identification individuals may use to verify identity at the screening checkpoint.