TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohioans have just two weeks until they reach the Real ID deadline on May 7, changing the way Americans travel.
This comes following the Real ID Act of 2005, which was a piece of federal legislation introduced by the 9/11 Commission.
According to the state, to make the switch, you must bring in documents to prove your full legal name, date of birth, social security, legal presence or citizenship and Ohio residence.
“Essentially what the Real ID Act says is that states can issue drivers licenses and IDs, but if they want the residents to be able to use those credentials for certain federally regulated activities like commercial air flight, they have to follow a certain standard for issuing,” said Registrar Charlie Norman, of Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
According to Norman, Ohio has been issuing Real IDs for the past 7 years at no additional cost.
He said following the May 7 deadline, those that do not wish to switch their ID may be subject to additional security measures when travelling.
“You will need that Real ID credential to, as I mentioned, for commercial air flight to get into certain federal buildings, military bases, and more,” Norman said. “TSA has indicated that they are planning to start enforcement May 7. If you show up at the airport without either a passport or a Real ID credential, you may be subject to some additional security measures to get through TSA.”
For the most efficient visit to the BMV, Norman recommended putting together or following a document checklist.
“You have to go in person, and plan ahead to get those documents,” he said. “The last thing that we want is for someone to show up and not have the documents they need, and then have to come back. I recommend using the online queuing tool to help you save time. We are having some expanded hours at BMV to give people some additional opportunities to get in the office.”
According to Norman, about 56% of Ohioans currently have a real ID, which matched the current national average.
With just two weeks left to make the switch, the state is encouraging people to go now, as they expect an increase of people going to the BMV.
The BMV will be extending their hours for the next two Saturdays until 3:00 p.m.
You are able to check in online to help with the wait.
