Deadline for new REAL-ID identification documents is May 7

    Taking a vacation trip to Cancun, a quick visit to Toronto or a plane trip to visit grandma out of state could become more complicated next month.As the federal deadline approaches May 7, all U.S. airlines will require a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight, a standard Michigan driver’s license, or ID card no longer will be adequate to board an aircraft for a domestic flight or to enter military bases, nuclear power plants, or certain other federal facilities.
    The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and requires higher standards for identification.
    Many people have an ID that meets federal REAL ID standards, such as a valid U.S. passport, a Trusted Traveler card, or an enhanced driver’s license. Participation in the program is voluntary but anyone who doesn’t want a REAL ID will be issued a standard license or ID that can’t be used for federal identification purposes.
    When applying for a REAL ID, applicants will need to provide a driver’s license or ID; a certified birth certificate with a raised seal or stamp issued by a governmental agency; a valid, unexpired U.S. passport; or an approved citizenship or legal presence document. Faxes and photocopies won’t be accepted.
    Those whose name does not match that on their birth certificate will need to provide certified documents, such as marriage licenses or court orders, for every time their name has changed.
    Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encouraged residents who do not have a REAL ID but may need one to apply soon, as it will take weeks to arrive by mail.
    “Michigan is well above the national average in compliance with the REAL ID standard. If your license or ID has the star, you are REAL ID ready,” Benson said. “We want to ensure Michiganders are aware of the approaching deadline and can take the steps needed to avoid possible inconvenience and delays. The Michigan Department of State is ready and available to help Michigan residents easily convert their driver’s license to a REAL ID ahead of this deadline.”
    Those who provide proper documentation will be issued a license or ID in a new state design, which features a REAL ID star indicator in the gold shape of Michigan. Older blue and green licenses and IDs that have the REAL ID star in a gold circle on them are also compliant.
    Upgrading a standard license or ID to a REAL ID is free if done during the normal renewal period. Otherwise, a card correction fee of $9 for a driver’s license or $10 for an ID is charged. State residents can obtain a REAL ID, which is a license or ID marked by a star, by going to Michigan.gov/REALID to schedule an appointment at any Secretary of State office. The scheduling system will walk them through documents they will need to bring.
    As of March 21, 73.5 percent of Michigan driver’s licenses and state ID cards are REAL ID-compliant. That includes enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs, which are REAL ID-compliant and can be used to cross the border into the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea. The indicator for an enhanced license or ID in Michigan is a U.S. flag icon.
    The Michigan Department of State has been working with airports in Michigan for years to provide signage and other reminders to travelers about the upcoming deadline. The department also includes reminders about REAL ID on driver’s license and ID renewal notices and has completed several marketing campaigns about REAL ID over the past six years. More information is available at Michigan.gov/REALID.