Passed by Congress in May of 2005, the Real ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror and the Tsunami Relief Act. It is not Nevada law but federal law that sets identification standards for state driver licenses if those licenses are to be used as identification when boarding an aircraft, entering a nuclear power plant, or entering a federal building where identification is required. Nevada citizens will have the option of obtaining a Real ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, or a standard Nevada driver’s license as issued today.
The federal Real ID Act is intended to combat terrorism, identity theft and other crimes by strengthening the integrity and security of state-issued identification. The Act calls on states to implement a set of minimum national standards in several areas:
This requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2010. However, your existing Nevada driver’s license or identification card will be valid for official federal purposes until December 1, 2014, for those who will be under 50 years of age on that date. Those who are 50 or older on December 1, 2014, will have until December 1, 2017 to comply.
There is no need to visit a DMV office before your normal renewal date to get a Real ID compliant card. Additionally, getting a Real ID compliant card in Nevada is optional. You are not required to get a Real ID compliant card if you choose not to.
You will not have to show proof of identity until Nevada implements the requirements of the Real ID Act, and there is no advantage in doing so. Please renew by Internet or mail if you qualify. The DMV will not begin issuing compliant cards until late 2009 or early 2010.
You will be advised of the documentation requirements for a Real ID compliant card at one of your normal license renewal dates between 2010 and 2017. Please wait for the DMV to specify the date. Information about the Real ID Act and what is needed will be included with your renewal notice once the DMV starts issuing Real-ID-compliant cards. You have until 2014 or 2017 as outlined above to obtain a Real-ID-compliant license or ID.
The Real ID Act requires all applicants to show proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary resident address to obtain a state-issued Real ID driver license or identification card that is accepted for official federal purposes. Get your documents ready. The documents required for a Real ID compliant card are a subset of what Nevada currently requires when applying for a new driver’s license or identification card.
Anyone whose current name differs from that on their birth certificate or U.S. Passport will also have to show proof of the legal name change. A Marriage Certificate is sufficient for married women. Those who have been through multiple name changes because of marriage and divorce will have to show proof of each change.
See Acceptable Documentation for a Real ID Compliant Driver’s License or Identification Card.
If you lack a birth certificate document, contact your state or county Vital Statistics Office or visit www.vitalchek.com and/or visit the Social Security Administration. If you are not able to provide the proper documents, or you choose not to obtain a Real ID DL/ID, the DMV will issue you a standard Nevada driver’s license or ID card that will permit you to operate a motor vehicle and provide identification documentation for purposes outside of the Real ID Act.
Please note the law does not require you to obtain a Real ID card acceptable for official federal purposes. The federal government will accept a valid passport. Military ID, or other acceptable documentation for boarding aircraft and other purposes
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Real ID Home Page
DHS Real ID Frequently Asked Questions
DHS News Release (Final Rules) - January 11, 2008
National Governors Association Joint Press Release (Final Rules) - January 11, 2008
Nevada DMV News Release (Nevada Granted Extension) - January 28, 2008