Entry into force REAL ID Act: how to replace a driver's license in California

Фото: Depositphotos

Starting from 22 in January 2018, old-style driver's licenses will not be a full-fledged identity document, and the Transport Safety Control Administration will no longer allow passengers on domestic or international flights based on this document.

Therefore, Californians, like residents of most other states, need to replace their driver's license with a new-type document. How to do it, said the publication SF Gate.

This innovation is associated with a new phase of the entry into force of the law governing the new format of identity cards, the REAL ID Act, after which many Americans will not be able to use their driver's license as an ID.

The REAL ID Act was adopted in 2005 year as one of the steps to tighten the requirements for the identification of persons after the September 11 attacks on 2001. He puts more stringent requirements regarding the information provided for obtaining a driver's license, which is used as an ID at the state level: for flights, visits to government and military institutions.

The FBI recommended that the US government unify the requirements for obtaining these documents in all states in order to increase the level of control over their issuance. Now the law is partially in effect, requiring to present updated identity documents when visiting federal and military facilities.

After the law enters into force finally, the residents of most states will need an identity card in a new format or a passport, so queues are expected at their offices, which means it’s worth thinking about these documents in advance, because there will also be those who need to update their passport because of expiration or visa pages therein.

The successes of the states in the unification of requirements and the introduction of new IDs were different, so each region has its own deadlines for implementing the law.

Californians must renew their driver's license before October 1 2020. It should be understood that the replacement is not mandatory: if you do not fly planes in the United States, do not visit government or military institutions, for which ID is required to enter, it is not necessary to replace the driver's license.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that it will begin issuing new-style documents from January 22 on 2018, the cost of replacing a driver's license will be $ 34. Please note that if you renewed your driver's license in 2017, you still need to get a new ID from 22 in January, 2018, if you want it to correspond to REAL ID Act.

Old versions of driver's licenses, starting from 22 January, can be used for flights and access to federal buildings only in combination with a federal sample certificate, for example:

1. Passport;
2. ID card;
3. Military ID;
4. Traveler card issued by the Department of Homeland Security, for example, Global Entry.

You do not need a federal ID or updated driver license to be eligible to:

1. To drive a car;
2. Vote;
3. Apply for federal benefits or receive them (we are talking about benefits for veterans, social security, etc.).
4. Visit a federal facility that does not require an identity card (for example, post offices).
5. Visit the hospital or receive emergency medical services.

In contrast to the usual current driver’s license update, which you can apply online, you must personally apply to the DMV to obtain the rights corresponding to the REAL ID Act.

The applicant must provide the following documents:

1. Proof of identity, for example, a birth certificate in the United States, a US citizen passport, work permit document, green card or international passport with an approved I-94 form.
2. California resident document.
3. A social security card or a document that lists your social security number, for example, the W-2 form.

Read also on ForumDaily:

What to do if you have lost or corrupted your American documents

REAL ID ACT: What you need to know about changes in US identification documents

Personal experience: how I passed on the rights in America

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.