What You Need When You Get Your REAL ID

Have you tried to get a Real ID yet? If you still need to get yours, you should do a little research on documentation requirements for obtaining a Real ID. As if getting an ID wasn't already a hassle, there is a lot that goes in to getting your Real ID.

By October 1, 2020, if you don't want to be forced to travel domestically with both your ID and passport, you will need to get a Real ID. From the little bit of research I've done about the Real ID process, it's a bit more grueling than getting the IDs we're used to getting. To apply, you need a bit more than two forms of proof of residency.

Check out all the documentation you need to apply for a Real ID (according to dot.nd.gov):

1. You need ONE of these:
   • U.S. Birth Certificate (State certified; Government issued)
   • U.S. Territory Birth Certificate
   • Valid, Unexpired U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
   • 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
2. If your current name is different that on the document provided (from the list above), you will need to also provide ONE of these:
   • Certified, Government Issued Marriage Certificate
   • Certified Adoption Document
   • Certified Court Order Authorizing a Name Change (no photocopies, court seal required)
3. You also need to provide your Social Security Number from ONE of the following documents
   • Social Security Card
   • W-2 Form
   • SSA 1099 Form
   • Non-SSA 1099 Form
   • Pay Stub
4. Lastly, you'll need to provide proof of residence with TWO of the following documents:
   • Most current government issued property tax statement
   • Current mortgage/lease/rental document
   • Current homeowners/renter’s insurance policy
   • Current utility bill (electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable, recycle)
   • School/College Transcript issued within 6 months
   • Current financial statement (issued by financial institution, government entity, government regulated entity)
   • Current pay stub or statement from employer
   • Current vehicle insurance policy/statement
   • Current resident certificate or Tribal ID issued by a North Dakota Tribe with North Dakota resident address
   • Current formal resident statement issued by prop

The process is far more involved than what we're used to when it comes to getting and ID. I'm sure a October approaches frustrations will rise as those of us procrastinators scramble to get all the appropriate documentations in order. You can try to make the process less painful by getting more information here.