By now, I’m sure you have heard of the REAL ID Act. If not, it’s a federal initiative to establish a minimum security standard for the state issued identification. In response to the COVID pandemic, the requirement to have a REAL ID compliant form of identification has been extended for one more year, until October 1, 2021.
What does this mean? Starting October 1, 2021 all federal facilities – including boarding commercial aircraft – will only be accessible with a REAL ID compliant license or passport. While passports will still be an acceptable form of identification, many people will likely want to obtain a REAL ID compliant drivers license as well.
For Ohio, the following documentation is needed when renewing your license:
- Proof of Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, and Legal Presence in the US. These 3 can be done with either a US Birth Certificate, US Passport or US Passport Card.
- Social Security Number can be proved with a Social Security Card, W-2 or 1099 Income Statement.
- Proof of Ohio residency (Street Address) needs to be proved by two documents. There are many options, but some include financial institution statements, Federal or Ohio income tax returns, insurance policy cards, Ohio motor vehicle title, mortgage account statements, and many more.
- Finally, if your name does not match that of your birth certificate or passport, you must bring a marriage certificate or license, divorce decree, or court ordered name change paperwork to prove your legal name.
If you live outside the state of Ohio, you should check with your BMV to see if their requirements differ from those above.
If you are interested to learn more, you might consider reviewing the FAQs available on the Dept. of Homeland Security website.
