The Real ID Act in Nevada

The Real ID Act:

Does not create a National Identification Card – In fact, Drivers Licenses and Identification cards (DL/ID) are issued by each state, not the Federal government. The Real ID gives states flexibility in issuing a unique DL/ID, based on State’s own design concepts. Minimum data elements required by the Rule are already included on the Nevada driver’s license, with one exception, the resident address. Nevada has provided options for this as discussed below.
Does not require a national database of personal information – In fact, Real ID requires DMV officials verify that an applicant hold only one valid Real ID. Nevada law, as it currently exists, requires ALL applicants for a DL/ID surrender any and all previous DL/ID issued. Additionally, the Real ID does not grant the Federal Government or law enforcement greater access to DMV data, nor does it create a national database of personal information. Access to personal information maintained by the DMV is limited to those presenting a court order or subpoena, as today.
Does not contain an RFID chip - In fact, the Real ID does not require any form of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. Nevada will not be putting an RFID chip in any credential issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Does not replace a U.S. Passport – In fact, a U.S. Passport will continue to be required for international travel. The Department of State’s web-site provides a list of documents acceptable for international travel for air, land, and sea.
Does not allow personal information collected at the state level to be accessed by the Federal government at will – In fact, the final rule on Real ID calls for states to raise the protection and security of personal identity information. It requires states develop a security plan and offers the guidance of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) privacy office to assist in this process. DHS will not create the security plan it will be the NV DMV. Additionally, DMV employees are subject to background checks as a step to protect against internal fraud.
Is not an unfunded mandate – In fact, DHS has made available nearly $410 million dollars from fiscal year 2006 – 2009 to assist state Driver’s license issuance authorities with Real ID implementation. The state of Nevada has received $3.7 million dollars to implement this program; this amounts to nearly 80% of the funds needed to implement in Nevada. Nevada will apply for any future grant funding made available from the Federal Government.
Does not control, restrict, or affect gun sales – In fact, the Real ID is specific to the issuance of DL/ID cards only. It does not prevent, control, or affect gun sales.
Is not a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Card – Per the Department of State, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the DHS to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. A Real ID will not allow entry into the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does REAL ID go into effect?
Nevada plans on issuing Real ID compliant DL/ID cards beginning in late 2009 or early 2010. The DMV will issue this at one of your normal license or ID renewal dates between 2010 and 2017. There is no advantage in obtaining one early.

My renewal is due in 2009. Do I have to bring any proof of identity documents?
No, only your existing Nevada license or ID is required for an in-person renewal. Please renew by Internet or mail if you qualify. A birth certificate or other document will not be accepted for Real ID purposes until implementation is complete.

Will people have to come into the office and get a REAL ID as soon as we start issuing them?
No. DHS has provided a phased-in enrollment period. If you were born after December 1, 1964, you have until December 1, 2014 to get a REAL ID card and have it be accepted for federal purposes. Effective December 1, 2017, a driver’s license or identification card will not be accepted for federal purposes unless it is REAL ID compliant, regardless of age.

Can people use their existing Nevada driver’s license or identification card to fly on an airplane or do they have to wait until they get a REAL ID?
A Nevada driver’s license or identification card will be acceptable for airline travel, or any other federal purpose at least through December 1, 2014. The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts alternate documents for air travel such as Passports, Military ID, etc. See TSA: Driver's License or Passports Preferred ID at Checkpoints.

What documents are needed to get a Real-ID-compliant license or ID card?
Documents to evidence your name, date of birth, lawful status, social security number, and resident address will be required. See Acceptable Documents for a complete list.

For those born in the U.S., these documents will include a birth certificate and Social Security card or a U.S. Passport, plus documentation of any legal name change including marriage and divorce. You may wish to obtain a birth certificate document now from your state vital statistics office or services such as www.vitalchek.com.

If I have had several name changes due to marriage and divorce, what documents are needed to get my driver’s license or identification card?
If you don’t have a passport with your current legal name, you will need to show how your name has changed from that on your birth certificate. The main point to remember is that if your name is different than what is presented on your passport or birth certificate, you must show how it changed.

When Nevada implements the REAL ID, is there going to be a standard Nevada Driver’s License or Identification card issued?
Yes, the State of Nevada will issue both a Real ID compliant DL/ID and a standard Nevada DL/ID. Standard Nevada cards will be issued and renewed under the existing Nevada requirements.

If I don’t have a Social Security Number, can I get a driver’s license or identification card?
Yes. If you want a Real ID compliant card, you must provide evidence of Non-Eligibility from the Social Security (Form L676). If you cannot provide this documentation, you will still be eligible to receive a standard Nevada driver’s license or identification card, not valid for official federal purposes.

If photo identification is needed to travel by air, is DMV going to be issuing identification cards to applicants under age 10?
No. For domestic travel, the Federal Aviation Administration only requires photo identification for passengers over 18 years of age. Minors under age 18 may travel with their parents with a birth certificate. Nevada will continue to issue identification cards to applicants age 10 and older. International travel requires a passport, regardless of age.

Real ID Facts vs. Myths

Frequently Asked Questions