[NFBMT] Real I.D.

Mon Jun 12 02:36:17 UTC 2017

>From the Department of Homeland Security.  Joy 

The following are frequently asked questions about the REAL ID program that
would be useful to the public.

Q: What is REAL ID?

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's
recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of
sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The Act established
minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and
identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for
official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not
meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this
key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure
driver's license today than before the passage of the Act.

Q: What do I need to do if I am visiting a federal facility or a military
base?

Starting October 10, 2015, visitors seeking access to military bases and
almost all Federal facilities using their state-issued driver's licenses or
identification cards must present proper identification issued by REAL ID
compliant states or a state that has received an extension. When planning a
visit to a Federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the
facility to determine what identification will be accepted.

Q; Will a federal agency accept my Enhanced Driver's License?

Yes. State Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) designated as acceptable
border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative are acceptable for official federal purposes such as accessing a
Federal facility or boarding a commercial aircraft. Individual agency
policies may still apply.

Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states
that currently issue EDLs. For more information on EDLs, please go to
www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they.

Q: REAL ID does NOT apply to the following:

Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present
identification

Voting or registering to vote

Applying for or receiving Federal benefits

Being licensed by a state to drive

Accessing Health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health
clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities
(including a defendant's access to court proceedings)

Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

Q: Why is DHS implementing air travel in stages?

On January 8, 2016, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the
following timetable for the implementation of the REAL ID Act for air travel:

Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security will conduct
outreach to educate the traveling public about the timeline below, and
continue engagements with states to encourage compliance with REAL ID
standards.

Effective on July 15, 2016, TSA, in coordination with airlines and airport
stakeholders, will begin to issue web-based advisories and notifications to
the traveling public.  

Effective on December 15, 2016, TSA will expand outreach at its airport
checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other methods.

Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver's license issued by a
state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been
granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable
identification for domestic air travel to board their flight.  Passengers
with driver's licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a
state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their
driver's licenses or identification cards.

Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant
license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air
travel.

This timetable recognizes that some states must change their laws to comply
with the REAL ID Act. It is also designed to provide an opportunity for
members of the public to learn more about the implications of not having a
REAL ID-compliant license, and so that individuals have an ample opportunity
to replace their pre-REAL ID licenses with new compliant licenses or to
obtain another acceptable form of identification.

Q: When will I need to change how I travel domestically?

Starting January 22, 2018, passengers who have driver's licenses issued by a
state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an
extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification
for domestic air travel. Please see TSA's website for a list of acceptable
forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that
is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID
requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For a list of
states already in compliance or with an extension visit DHS's REAL ID
webpage. DHS continually updates this list as more states come into
compliance or obtain extensions.  

Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need to present a REAL
ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for
domestic air travel. 

A REAL ID compliant license is one that meets, and is issued by a state that
complies with, the REAL ID Act's security standards.  

Travelers can check DHS's REAL ID webpage at any time to learn if your state
is compliant and can check with your state's agency that issues driver's
licenses about how to acquire a compliant license. The earlier your state
becomes compliant, the more likely you will be able to acquire a compliant
license as part of the normal renewal cycle.  As of June 11, 2017, Montana is
not in compliance with the Real ID Act, and Federal agencies may not accept
drivers' licenses and identification cards from Montana.

Q: Will minors need to have driver's licenses to fly domestically?

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when
traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need
acceptable identification.

Q: Is a passport my only other option if my state is not compliant?

No. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents and will
continue to do so. For more information on acceptable forms of identification
for boarding aircraft, please see TSA's website.

Q: Is DHS trying to build a national database with all of our information?

No. REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification
card.  REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license
information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license,
maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and
under what circumstances. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity
documents more consistent and secure.

Q: What happens to travelers who show up without a compliant license? Will
TSA turn them away?

DHS has been working with states for years around REAL ID compliance and have
provided technical assistance, grants and other support to them.  We are also
providing more than two years advance notice of implementation with respect
to domestic air travel to allow ample time for all states to achieve
compliance, or for potential air travelers to acquire an alternate form of ID
if their state does not comply with REAL ID. 

Starting January 22, 2018, travelers who do not have a license from a
compliant state or a state that has been granted an extension (a complete
list of non-compliant states/ territories can be found here) will be asked to
provide alternate acceptable identification. If the traveler cannot provide
an acceptable form of identification, they will not be permitted through the
security checkpoint.

Starting October 1, 2020, every traveler will need to present a REAL
ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for
domestic air travel.

Q: Why are some states still not compliant? Isn't this law?

REAL ID is a mandate on Federal agencies, restricting the circumstances under
which they may accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards
for official purposes.  Participation by states is voluntary, although
Federal agencies are prohibited from accepting driver's licenses or
identification cards from noncompliant states for official purposes (e.g.,
boarding aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power
plants).  

Q:  How does REAL ID implementation impact states that provide driver's
licenses and IDs to certain non-citizens/undocumented immigrants?

REAL ID allows compliant states to issue driver's licenses and identification
cards where the identity of the applicant cannot be assured or for whom
lawful presence is not determined.  In fact, some states currently issue such
noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. These cards must clearly
state on their face (and in the machine readable zone) that it is not
acceptable for official purposes and must use a unique design or color to
differentiate them from compliant cards.  DHS cautions against assuming that
possession of a noncompliant card indicates the holder is an undocumented
individual, given that several states issue noncompliant licenses for reasons
unrelated to lawful presence.

Last Published Date: May 22, 2017

Identification alternatives for Real I.D.

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport
checkpoint in order to travel.

Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of
Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and
DoD civilians)

Permanent resident card

Border crossing card

DHS-designated enhanced driver's license

Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

HSPD-12 PIV card

Foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
card

Transportation worker identification credential

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
(I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

ID requirements at the checkpoint will change beginning Jan. 22, 2018. Learn
about REAL ID, read the FAQ or factsheet.

   A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. 

A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Children

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when
traveling with a companion within the United States. Contact the airline for
questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because
it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may
ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address, and may
ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is
confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be
subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you
chose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with
the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight
time to allow ample time for security screening and boarding the aircraft.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the
screening checkpoint.

>From dmv.org

SUMMARY: Montana Identification Cards

To apply for a MT identification card, you must visit a MVD office and
provide proof of your residency, identity, lawful U.S. presence, and pay the
required fee. Renewals must be completed in person. If you've lost or damaged
your ID card, you will need to re-apply.

This page will help you obtain an ID card from the Montana Motor Vehicle
Division (MVD).

Apply for a Montana ID Card

To be eligible for a Montana identification card, you must be a legal
resident of the state. To apply, visit your local Montana MVD office.

NOTE: Depending on the office you visit, you may be required to make an
appointment. Call ahead to be sure.

You will need to submit:

Proof of your: 

Identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport, Social Security card). (2
documents required.)

Authorized U.S. presence (e.g., U.S. passport, foreign passport and I-94,
U.S. birth certificate).

Montana residency (e.g., car insurance policy, rental agreement, recent bank
statement).

Your Social Security number (SSN).

Payment for the fee:

Younger than 21 years old: $8 for 4 years.

21 years old and older: $16 for 8 years.

Veteran Designation

If you are eligible, you may have a veteran designation on your Montana ID
card. You will need to complete the Application to Add Veteran Designation to
Driver License or ID Card (Form 21-3000) and submit it either in person or by
mail.

See the application form for fees and instructions.

Fees for a MT Identification Card

The length of validity and cost of an ID card in Montana depends on your age:

Younger than 21 years old: $8 for 4 years.

21 years old and older: $16 for 8 years.

The costs above apply to replacements and renewals also.

Renew an Identification Card

Your Montana ID card will be valid for either 4 years or 8 years, depending
on your age. You can renew it:

Up to 6 months before it expires.

3 months after it expires.

You must renew your ID card in person at a Montana MVD office and:

Provide your ID card OR proof of your identity.

Provide proof of your name change, if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate,
divorce decree, court order).

Pay the fee.

NOTE: If you live in a rural location with limited services, you must first
pay your fee at a MT county treasurer's office and submit the receipt at the
MVD office.

You will be mailed your new ID card.

Replace an ID Card

If you've lost or damaged your Montana ID card, you cannot apply for a
replacement. You'll need to re-apply for an ID card by following the
instructions above.

NOTE: If your missing or damaged ID card expires within the next 6 months,
you may be able to renew it.

Change Your Name or MT Address

If you move to a new address in Montana, you must update your MVD records
within 10 days. It is not necessary to obtain a replacement ID card showing
your new address, but if you choose to do so, you must pay a duplicate card
fee.

For more information, see our Change of Address in Montana page.

If you've changed your name, you must visit your local MT MVD office and
provide proof of your name change as well as payment for a replacement ID
card.

For more information, visit our Changing Your Name in Montana page.

>From the doj web site 

The REAL ID Act: Are You Ready for a National ID?

by Lauren Hannula on May 22, 2013

People throughout the country might see some big changes happening to their
driver's licenses and state IDs. As of February 2013, 19 states have
demonstrated compliance with the REAL ID Act, a piece of legislature that
imposes much stricter measures on how people can obtain a driver's license,
and sets more thorough standards as to what will be displayed on them. Called
the new "national ID," the REAL ID Act has gained some traction in light of
recent events like the Boston Marathon bombings.

But what exactly is the REAL ID Act, and how will it affect drivers across
the nation?

The History of REAL ID

After 9/11, the federal government began to look at ways to increase security
surrounding state identification cards and driver's licenses, in an attempt
to prevent further terrorism and/or unlawful entry into and out of the
country.

In 2005, the House of Representatives passed a bill into law called the REAL
ID Act. This Act would set certain federal standards upon all driver's
licenses, which are currently regulated by each individual state. After being
passed into law, the bill was tabled until 2007, when it was announced that
the federal enforcement of the act would be postponed for a period of two
years. However, many state governments were slow to support this act, feeling
that it not only infringed upon states' rights handed to them by the 10th
Amendment, but also created unnecessary cost to taxpayers in order to
implement the change. It wasn't until this year that the federal government
announced that all states would need to be in compliance with the REAL ID Act
by the end of 2017.

How IDs Will Be Affected

The REAL ID Act sets forth new federally mandated requirements for all state
driver's licenses and ID cards. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has
set standards not entirely dissimilar from the requirements already in place
for most states throughout the country. On each ID, the following information
must be present:

Full legal name

Residential address

Birth date

Gender

Driver's license/identification card number

Digital front-facing photograph

Signature

Driver's licenses and IDs must now also include a common barcode and security
devices to prevent any tampering with or counterfeiting of the card, and must
display a star in the upper right-hand corner, signifying that your
identification has been approved by the TSA and your identity has been
verified. There are also new requirements put in place to obtain an ID or
license; all applicants must present the following documents during the
application process:

A photo ID, or non-photo ID that contains the applicant's full legal name and
birth date

Valid birth certificate

Social Security number

Proof of legal U.S. citizenship, OR proof of lawful admittance into or
temporary residence within the U.S.

Lastly, each state must also agree to share its database of licensed citizens
and drivers with all other states, including every piece of data on the cards
themselves (name, address, birth date, etc.), along with all driving records
and driver histories of everyone licensed to drive in the state.

The Pros and Cons of REAL ID

Proponents of the REAL ID Act cite its advantages to national security. These
measures ensure that non-citizens are unable to obtain a state-issued ID or
driver's license, and also prevent anyone without one from boarding aircraft
or entering high-security locations. Similarly, these IDs would place the
United States in the company of nearly 100 other countries in the world
(including most European countries) that have some form of a national ID
card.

Cost, Freedom, and Privacy Concerns

However, many states oppose the implementation of the REAL ID Act based upon
the estimated cost. The Act is a unfunded mandate, meaning that while the
requirement is federally issued, the entire cost of recreating and re-issuing
millions of licenses and ID cards would fall solely upon the states - without
any financial assistance from the federal government. States are therefore
required to raise their licensing fees in order to make up the added cost.
putting an extra financial burden upon the licensee, who may simply be
attempting to transfer one valid license into the REAL ID format.

Once the Act is fully implemented, residents without the new mandated ID will
also be barred from boarding airplanes, entering nuclear facilities, and
performing any other actions that require "official" federal identification.
Citizens will need to provide a valid U.S. passport or permanent residency
card in place of the new ID.

Another major concern is the idea of personal information being gathered and
stored into what some are calling a "national database." In order for the DHS
and TSA to validate a citizen's identity, they need to collect and store the
information that otherwise would be solely kept by individual states. Many
are worried about the "Big Brother"-esque implications this may have to
personal privacy.

Major Effects Upon Immigrants

Immigrants and foreign nationals working in the United States are similarly
worried about how the REAL ID Act may affect their abilities to live and work
within the country. As the requirements for obtaining a new ID card are much
more stringent than what some states may currently employ, foreigners without
legal proof of entry into the country or without a Social Security number
will be barred from obtaining a driver's license, limiting their means of
travel throughout country by a huge margin and possibly forcing them to
return to their home country to renew their ID. Then again, supporters of the
REAL ID Act cite this as an example of the system working properly, as it
ensures that the only people working and traveling within the U.S. are those
that the government has officially allowed to be here.

What is REAL ID?

In 2005 the United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act based on a
recommendation from the 9/11 Commission to establish "standards for the
issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses."

Why is Montana not compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005?

Concerns over privacy issues and federal overreach have driven Montana's
overwhelming opposition to REAL ID. In 2007 the Montana legislature, by
unanimous vote and with support of the governor, determined that Montana
would not participate in the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Specifically, the Montana legislature under MCA 61-5-128 directed the
Department of Justice (DOJ), including the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), to
not implement any provisions of the REAL ID Act of 2005.

Does Montana have an extension to REAL ID compliance from the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS)?

Montana's extension from enforcement of the REAL ID Act ended on October 10,
2016. DHS is authorized to grant extensions to states where there is adequate
justification for noncompliance.

When will the Department of Homeland Security begin enforcement of the REAL
ID Act for Montana?

There is approximately a 90 day grace period from the end of Montana's
extension before the enforcement begins. Enforcement will begin on January
30th, 2017 for all Montana licenses and ID cards. For the current enforcement
status and schedule, please visit the DHS website.

When will I need a REAL ID identification to travel by air?

Starting January 22, 2018, all passengers boarding commercial flights in the
United States must present identification from a state compliant with REAL
ID, identification from a state that received an extension, or an acceptable
alternative form of identification.

What are the accepted alternative forms of identification for air travel if
Montana does not become REAL ID compliant?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has many types of
identification that are acceptable instead of a REAL ID compliant driver
license or state issued identification card. You may find a list of these
alternative forms of identification at the TSA website.

You may contact your airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements
for travelers.

What do I need to do if I am visiting a federal facility or military base
after October 10, 2015?

Starting October 10, 2015, a person who is visiting a military base or almost
all federal facilities must present identification compliant with REAL ID or
identification from a state that received an extension.

Montana's extension to become compliant with REAL ID ended on October 10,
2016. DHS gives an approximate 90 day grace period before enforcement of the
REAL ID Act begins. This means on January 30, 2017, you will need a REAL ID
compliant identification or acceptable alternative form of identification to
visit a military base or almost all federal facilities.

What do I need to do if I am visiting a federal facility or military base
after Montana's grace period ends?

You should contact the federal facility or military base to determine what
identification will be accepted prior to visiting the facility.

Are there federal facilities that REAL ID does not apply to?

There are certain federal facilities that do not require a person to present
identification. You may find the types of federal facilities at the DHS
website.

Can I still use my Montana driver license as a primary form of ID at the
Social Security Administration (SSA)?

Yes. The SSA will still accept your Montana driver license for all services
as a primary ID. You can call the SSA customer service line if you have
further questions about the SSA's policy on REAL ID at 1-800-772-1213.

Are Montana driver licenses and identification cards secure?

Yes. Montana produces secure credentials that fight fraud and protect the
identities of its citizens.

Will Montana receive another extension?

The Governor's office has not submitted another extension request.

Joy Breslauer, President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

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