Getting a REAL ID in North Carolina? We have answers to your questions

Remember the REAL ID, that new kind of driver’s license that people were going to need to board a domestic flight? Well, it’s coming back.

After delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is again poised to begin enforcing stricter identification standards for people boarding airplanes or visiting certain federal offices and facilities. The REAL ID, issued by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and state DMVs nationwide, is a way to satisfy those stricter standards.

More than 3 million North Carolinians have received a REAL ID driver’s license or state-issued ID card. If you’re one of the millions more who might be considering one, here is (most) everything you need to know about the REAL ID in North Carolina. (If we haven’t answered your question, please let us know.)

What is the REAL ID?

The N.C. REAL ID is a driver’s license or ID card issued by the DMV that meets federal identification standards established by Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The standards are meant to verify the identity of the person holding the card.

Do I need to get a REAL ID?

No, neither the state nor federal government requires that you have a REAL ID.

Then why would I get a REAL ID?

On May 3, 2023, the federal government will begin requiring stricter identification standards to board a commercial flight or to enter a federal facility, including courthouses and military bases, as well as nuclear plants. The REAL ID will be sufficient to board a plane or enter facilities where the public is required to show ID. (Note: Exceptions will be made for people who are called to federal court to sit on juries or testify.)

To fly, those without a REAL ID will be required to show another form of identification, such as a passport, Department of Defense ID or one of a dozen other IDs listed on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s website, www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. Military bases require two forms of identification if you don’t have a REAL ID.

Do I still need a REAL ID if I am active-duty military or a retiree?

No. An ID issued by the Department of Defense now complies with the federal identification standards.

If I can fly with my passport, why do I need a REAL ID?

It’s mostly a matter of convenience. Even if they have a passport, most Americans are not accustomed to carrying it unless they’re planning to leave the country. You’d have to remember to bring it with you to visit a federal facility as well.

I never fly, and I don’t plan to visit a federal courthouse or go on a military base. Is there any other reason I should get a REAL ID?

No, perhaps not. But before you visit a federal facility, you may want to check ahead to see if you’re required to show identification to get in.

When will the new identification requirements go into effect?

For commercial air travel, the REAL ID, a passport or other approved ID will be required to board a flight starting May 3, 2023.

Is May 3, 2023, the deadline to get a REAL ID?

A. No. You may hear the word “deadline” associated with the REAL ID, but the DMV will continue to issue them after that date. And keep in mind you won’t be asked to show one until you fly or visit a federal facility that requires an ID.

Where do I get a REAL ID?

The N.C. REAL ID is available at the 115 DMV driver’s license offices in the state. To find the office nearest you, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/locations.html.

Can I get a REAL ID online?

No, not the first time. You need to visit a DMV office to obtain a REAL ID. When you renew a REAL ID, you’ll be able to do that online.

What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

If you already have a state driver’s license, you may only need an additional document that proves your date of birth and identity. This can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or any one of a half dozen other documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Citizenship and Immigration Service. If your name is different than it appears on those documents, because of marriage or divorce, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

If you’re applying for your first license or ID card, you’ll need two more types of documents.

The first is a document that shows your Social Security number. This includes a Social Security card or one of the following: a 1099 tax form, W-2 form or pay stub, each with your name and full Social Security number.

Second, you’ll need two documents that prove your current North Carolina residency. This can include your current unexpired driver’s license, vehicle registration card, voter precinct card, a DD214 veteran’s form, utility bill, school records or North Carolina vehicle insurance policy. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide a document showing you are lawfully in the United States. Note that birth, marriage and divorce documents must be certified.

For a full list of documents that can be used to obtain a REAL ID, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/requirements.aspx.

Will the DMV keep copies of these documents?

Yes, the federal government requires that DMV scan those documents and keep them as part of your DMV record. One reason it has taken years to develop the REAL ID system in North Carolina and other states is that each state DMV had to develop new systems to securely store electronic copies of these documents.

What if my name has changed?

If your name no longer matches the one on your birth certificate or other document used to establish your identity and date of birth, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a document from a court or register of deeds. If your passport has your current name, no additional documentation is needed.

Does a REAL ID cost extra?

A. If you’re renewing your driver’s license, a REAL ID costs the same as the license, $44, good for eight years. If it is not time to renew your license, the REAL ID costs the same as a duplicate license, $14.

Does a REAL ID look different from a driver’s license?

No, except a REAL ID will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. A driver’s license that doesn’t meet the new federal identification standards will contain the words: “Not for Federal Identification.”

Should I wait until I renew my license to get a REAL ID?

You can’t renew your license until six months before it expires. If that’s going to happen between now and May 3, 2023, or shortly after, you should probably wait. Getting a duplicate REAL ID outside your renewal window doesn’t change the expiration date or when you’ll need to get your license renewed.

Can I make an appointment?

Yes, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/ and click on “Driver License Office Appointments” or call 919-715-7000 to make an appointment up to 90 days in advance. Try early in the morning; if none are available at an office near you, try again the next morning. The DMV makes a new set of appointments available each day.

Will minors need a REAL ID to fly?

No. Anyone under age 18 can fly without ID when traveling with an adult companion, but the companion will need acceptable ID.