Description

ID CARDS

Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean by land or sea need an ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to return to the United States. While everyone traveling internationally by plane needs a US passport, land and sea travelers have more options. So, should you get a passport book, a passport card, or an enhanced drivers license?
Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean by land or sea need an ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to return to the United States. While everyone traveling internationally by plane needs a US passport, land and sea travelers have more options. So, should you get a passport book, a passport card, or an enhanced drivers license?

Applying for a REAL ID
Anyone interested in applying for a driver license/ID card with the REAL ID mark is required to visit a DMV field office in person and present specific documentation:

Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, foreign passport with an approved form I-94. A school ID card is not accepted). Note: A name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court-filed adoption papers, is required if you legally changed your name.
Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub with full SSN).
Proof of California address (rental agreement, cell phone bill, official school documents that include your birthday).

Is My State Compliant with the Real ID Act ID CARDS?
Some states began the process of updating their requirements back in 2017, while others have been issued extensions. According to the Department of Homeland Security website, 48 states and territories are certified as compliant as of May 2019, with five more granted extensions—Oregon, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey, Maine and American Samoa. All states and territories must be in compliance before the October 2020 deadline.

Consult the map on the DHS website to find out your state’s current status. But remember, just because your state is compliant doesn’t mean your license is.