OHIO — If you don’t want to face any delays at the airport, you’ll need to upgrade to a federally-compliant Real ID by May 7.
“We’ve been issuing Real ID credentials here in Ohio since 2018, so right now about a little over 55% of Ohioans have a Real ID-compliant drivers license or ID,” said Charlie Norman, state registrar of motor vehicles.
Norman said the big difference between keeping your old ID and upgrading to a Real ID is the documents that are needed.
“It’s really the same documents you brought in when you got your initial drivers license maybe back when you were 16. So you’re bringing in documents to prove full legal name, date of birth, social security number, legal presence or citizenship and Ohio residence,” Norman said.
Documents like your birth certificate, passport and social security card satisfy some of those requirements.
But you also need two additional documents that prove your street address.
And while the BMV has a full list of options published on its website, Norman said the lack of awareness is likely a main reason why nearly half of eligible Ohioans haven’t upgraded yet.
“It does take a little bit more in terms of documentation to get that federally-compliant drivers license, and so that’s maybe why some people have opted to stick with the standard,” Norman said.
The Real ID doesn’t cost anymore than a standard ID, and you’ll get a temporary one while you wait for the real one to arrive in the mail.
But if you don’t make the change before May 7, you could run into some problems when flying.
“All we know at this point is that there could be delays for people who need to have their identity verified, and the best way to avoid that is by bringing a Real ID or another acceptable form of ID,” said Jessica Mayle, regional spokesperson for TSA.
If you don’t have a Real ID, Mayle said a passport will still get you through security checkpoints at the airport, and she said you can check out TSA.GOV to find other options.
“I would encourage people, especially if you have a trip that’s right on that deadline, and you’re a little worried about getting your drivers license before then, to check that list and see if there’s something else,” Mayle said.
