For the sake of speeding up the process: the United States will simplify the filing of documents for Real ID

Federal officials will allow Real ID applicants to submit required documents electronically. This is to help states meet the October 1, 2020 deadline for Real IDs to become mandatory. Writes about this USA Today.

Фото: Depositphotos

Anyone who plans to fly inland from October 1 must have an ID that complies with the Real ID Act, which is aimed at improving the safety of air travel.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nearly 100 million Americans have a new Real ID. However, Chad Wolfe, the acting head of DHS, said that two-thirds of Americans still do not have the relevant documents.

“Ensuring every state is Real ID compliant by October is one of the department's top priorities,” Wolf said in a statement. “Despite the progress we have made, we still have a lot of work ahead.”

The US Travel Association in October confirmed to a Senate subcommittee that 78 passengers may be denied boarding at airport checkpoints when the Real ID requirement comes into force. It could cost the US economy more than $ 500 million.

On the subject: What you need to know about Real ID in 2020: answers to the most common questions

Tori Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Politics, called DHS a step forward. However, she said that the department still has to make "significant policy changes."

“The problem remains that tens of millions of Americans do not yet have a Real ID Act-compliant ID, and we will not solve this problem,” Barnes said in a statement.

The department requested ideas from the public on how to expedite the process. As a result, DHS accepted the idea of ​​electronic filing.

“Rest assured, the department will continue to explore other viable options to improve this process and do everything possible to educate Americans about the Real ID requirement by October,” Wolf said.

Previously, those wishing to obtain a Real ID had to collect all documents and submit them in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in their state. Each state now has the authority to allow electronic filing. If such a decision is made, it will save time for applicants. It is worth noting that applicants will still have to bring all the necessary documents with them to the DMV office before receiving a Real ID - a specialist will check their compliance with what was submitted in the electronic application.

What documents must be submitted to obtain a Real ID:

Identification card with date of birth and full name. Eligible documents include:

• Valid, non-expired US passport or passport card;
• Original or Certified US Birth Certificate;
• Valid, not expired permanent resident card (green card);
• Social Security Card, Form W-2, or payment receipt with Social Security number.

Proof of residence. Eligible documents include:

• Utility bill;
• Mortgage account;
• Act or title to residential property;
• Insurance documents;
• Lease contract.

Individual states may have additional requirements, so it’s best to check the list of documents in your DMV.

Are there alternatives for travelers besides Real ID

A passport or passport card also complies with the Real ID Act requirement for travel. You can also use Global Entry cards (for travelers from the United States returning from abroad).

A corresponding Real ID Act driver license usually has a star at the top. The states of Michigan, New York, Vermont, Minnesota, and Washington issue flagged extended driver licenses that meet Real ID requirements.

PreCheck enrollment from the US Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) does not meet the requirements of the Real ID Act.

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