Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The ND state legislature passed legislation and Governor Burgum signed the final implementation bill for REAL ID during the 65th Legislative Session in 2017.
What does REAL ID not do?
- It does not create a federal database or federally controlled or issued identification document. The U.S. Passport does that.
- It does not replace a passport used for international travel such as visiting Canada or other countries.
When do I need to have a REAL ID driver’s license?
- Your present license remains valid until its expired date, as North Dakota has received a waiver from the US Department of Homeland Security. This means your current ND driver’s license and identification card is accepted for access into federal facilities, including military installations and boarding aircraft until October 2020.
What does the Opt-In feature mean?
- The Opt-In Opt-Out feature enables you to have a choice on whether you want to get a REAL ID driver’s license or not. If you choose to Opt-In you will be able to use your driver’s license as a form of identification to complete domestic airline travel and access a federal facility.
- The Opt-Out feature also lets you choose to Opt-Out of the REAL ID process and not obtain a REAL ID driver’s license. This means you will see no change in how you currently renew your driver’s license and you will not receive a REAL ID driver’s license. Some people may choose to Opt-Out because they plan to use their passport for identification when traveling or they don’t plan on doing any domestic airline travel or accessing of a federal facility.
To obtain a REAL ID compliant driver license, permit, or ID card you must present proper documentation. The following documentation from each category 1, 2, and 3 is required:
Category 1
1. Proof of Identification
All individuals applying for a permit, license, or Identification card must show proof of identity, date of birth, legal presence in the United States, by presenting one of the documents listed below. As a reminder, no photocopies; no hospital certificates; all documents must be original or certified copies only:
- U.S. birth certificate (state certified; Government issued)
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
- Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Card
- Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with I-94
- I-94 Card stamped Refugee or Asylee
Category 2
2. Proof of your social security number by presenting one of the documents listed below:
- Social Security Card (the actual blue and white paper card)
- W-2 Form
- SSA 1099 Form
- Non-SSA 1099 Form
- Pay stub (must contain name and social security number)
Category 3
3. Proof of North Dakota residence address by presenting one document from List A and one document from List B OR two documents from List A:
- List A
- A government issued property tax form
- Mortgage/Lease/Rental document
- Homeowners/renter’s insurance policy
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable, recycle)
- Residential non-cellular telephone bill
- Parent’s proof of address for a minor child
- List B
- North Dakota Driver’s License, ID Card, or Permit
- Valid North Dakota Vehicle Registration or Vehicle Title
- Transcript or report card from accredited school
- Statement from a financial institution (bank, credit union, or other financial institution)
- Credit, debit, or charge card statement
- Pay stub or statement from employer
All documents must contain your name and current physical residence address. A Post Office (PO) box address is NOT acceptable for a residence address. No photocopies are allowed. All documents must be original or certified copies only.
For more information, review NDDOT Real ID webpage: https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/real-id-information.htm#requireddocinfo.
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