Learn more about the Real ID Act

What is Real ID?
When will the law go into effect?
Do I need to get a passport to fly starting Jan 1, 2010?
Will the Congress change REAL ID law?
More Real ID information

What is Real ID?
The Real ID Act was passed by the Congress and signed into law on May 11, 2005 by former President George Bush.
The Real ID Act provides that, after a certain date, a federal agency is prohibited from accepting for any “official purpose,” a driver’s license or identification card issued by a State to any person that did not meet the requirements of the Real ID Act.
Official purposes, under current law, means “accessing Federal facilities, boarding Federally-regulated commercial aircraft and entering nuclear power plants.”

When will the law go into effect?
May 11, 2011.

Do I need to get a passport to fly starting Jan 1, 2010?
No. Your New Mexico Driver’s License will be sufficient for domestic flights until May 11, 2011.

Will the Congress change REAL ID law?
Pressure has been building on Congress to repeal Real ID because so many concerns have been raised about the law. Concerns raised include: confidentiality of personal data, invasion of privacy, unfunded mandate, lack of databases to support the requirements of Real ID, and the type of licenses issued to individuals who do not have lawful presence in the United States. Observers point out that the Real ID Act did not go through a hearing process to seek input from states and the public before it became law. Alternative legislation, called PASS ID, has been introduced to the Congress. PASS ID has been endorsed by the National Governor’s Association.