Connecticut Real ID Deadline Coming Up This Year

CT DMV Image

You may or may not have heard about the new Real ID law that, starting later this year, will require a Real ID or passport in order to fly domestically.

Since 2011, Connecticut DMV has been offering the Real ID verified license option, now it's getting close to the deadline when all residents who want to travel by air in this country, or even enter some federal buildings or military bases, will need either a Real ID, or a valid passport.

The law was enacted as an extra security level to prevent terrorists from being able to board plans or enter federal buildings using a form of fake ID.

If you haven't gotten your Real ID verified drivers license yet, you may want to do it as soon as you can. Starting October 1, if you don't have the Real ID, or a valid passport, you will not be able to fly anywhere within the U.S.

Tony Guerrera, the deputy commissioner of the DMV told patch.com, that if you don't have a Real ID, you'll still be able to fly as long as you have a valid passport:

It doesn't necessarily mean you have to have it to travel, you still have the option to use a passport. People who already have a passport may want to get a Real ID when it is time to renew a license. DMVs offices across the country along with partners like AAA and the DMV Express locations have worked together to raise awareness about the Real ID process. There is also a major push for the Real ID's from the federal level and airlines.

Not sure if your current license is a Real ID verified license, just look in the upper right corner, if there a gold star there then your good to go.

If you don't have a Real ID and plan to head to the DMV to upgrade your current license, get ready to bring a ton of paperwork that can establish your citizenship or legal permanent residency, your address and your legal name.

Here's what you may want to bring with you:

A Social Security card
Two pieces of mail from your current address
A bank statement (If you don't have any current mail)
A birth certificate or passport

To avoid any aggravation and to make sure you can get it all done in one visit, just make sure you double check to insure you have all the items needed before waiting for your turn in line at the DMV.

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