DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/dewayne@mcnews.online
It has been announced that the new REAL ID card will be available in Montgomery County at the Revenue Office Monday, February 3, as well as other state offices.
Now is the time to get ahead of the rush. Update your driver’s license, or ID card to the REAL ID.
A desire to better protect personal ID security, as well as national security has led to the creation and implementation of the REAL ID. REAL ID is an enhanced form of identification that will be required to board domestic flights, or enter a federal building, or facility, including military bases. The REAL ID cards will be required usage October 1, 2020.
“When you make sure your family members have a REAL ID, you are taking the next step in protecting their personal identity from criminals,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “From everyday travel to national security, the REAL ID will enhance our safety from threats both foreign and domestic.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID improves the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as well as help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
The cost of the enhanced license remains $40, the same amount as the standard non-enhanced state license. If your license is current, you can convert your license to a REAL ID for a $10 duplicate card charge. REAL IDs have a yellow circle with a white star in the middle on the upper right side of the license.
Though a REAL ID does not expire for 8 years, the renewal process is simpler than when the original enhanced license is obtained. You will only need to bring qualifying forms of identification if your name, gender or Social Security Number have changed or if your date of birth was amended.
The standard driver’s license will remain valid for state-related purposes such as driving, banking and voting. A valid passport will be accepted to board airlines.
To receive the enhanced ID you must present qualifying forms of identification that confirm your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, proof of address and lawful status.
Proof of legal presence includes a U.S. Passport, U.S. birth certificate/birth abroad (U.S. only), photo document from Department of Homeland Security), U.S. Visa with valid foreign passport, employment authorization card, certain immigration and naturalization service documents.
Secondary proofs of identification include, current driver’s license/ID cards, work or school photo ID, concealed handgun license, pilot’s license, vehicle registration/title, court order (must have a seal), tax document from the IRS, marriage license, military ID, military discharge papers, school transcript, prison release/sentencing order, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, health insurance card, parent affidavit.
Proof of social security number includes a Social Security card, W-2 form with applicant’s name and full social security number, Form 1099 with applicant’s name and full social security number, or a pay stub with applicant’s name and full social security number.
Two proofs of residency are required (no P.O. Boxes, or commercial addresses accepted). Examples include paycheck stub or earning statement with employer’s name and address (must have been issued in the last six months), Utility bill (must have been issued in the last six months), bank statement (must have been issued in the last six months), deed/title, mortgage, or rental/lease agreement for Arkansas property (lease must include landlord’s information), valid property insurance card, valid hunting/fishing license, valid concealed handgun carry license, personal property tax receipt, or invoice, current state, or federal tax return, certified school transcript, college enrollment documentation.
If your name is different on any of the documents you have provided, you must bring the document that changes the name. Marriage license, divorce decree or a court order for name change.
If you are not a U.S. citizen your documents must be updated with Homeland Security to reflect your new name.
Marriage License or any other name change document cannot be used to show name change on a Social Security Card. (Name must appear on Social Security card the same as on DL/ID)
An Arkansas REAL ID driver’s license, or ID card does not replace a passport.
Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, at https://appengine-demo.egov.com/apps/ar/DFA/RealID, to find out which qualifying documents you need. You can also visit https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/driverServicesOffice/ProofofLegalPresence_RealID.pdf to find a complete list of items needed.
The cost of the enhanced license remains $40, the same amount as the standard non-enhanced state license. If your license is current, you can convert your license to a REAL ID for a $10 duplicate card charge. REAL IDs have a yellow circle with a white star in the middle on the upper right side of the license.
Though a REAL ID does not expire for 8 years, the renewal process is simpler than when the original enhanced license is obtained. You will only need to bring qualifying forms of identification if your name, gender or Social Security Number have changed or if your date of birth was amended.
The standard driver’s license will remain valid for state-related purposes such as driving, banking and voting. A valid passport will be accepted to board airlines.
For more information or to report fraud, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
