The REAL ID Act was signed into law in May 2005 requiring all U.S. jurisdictions to follow new driver's license and personal identification (DL/ID) cards issuance and document standards. The intent of the Act is to create documents that are acceptable for official federal purposes (e.g., boarding an airplane, entering federal facilities). The Act sets minimum standards for the creation and issuance of the documents by motor vehicle agencies. A rulemaking process by the Department of Homeland Security will further define the minimum standards set in the Act.
REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
AAMVA has pulled together frequently asked questions (FAQs) about REAL ID and placed them in a searchable database for AAMVA members. These questions are from jurisdictions and the answers have been supplied by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This online tool allows you to do the following:
- search by Topic/Section of the Rule
- search using free text
- run reports.
A user guide and tutorial are also available online.
Note: This database is available to AAMVA members only.
Need to Request an Extension for REAL ID?
With the official release of the final rules on REAL ID, many jurisdictions are considering or have requested an extension, which is allowable in the rule. AAMVA Members only -- get the latest information on requesting the extension here.
NGA, NCSL and AAMVA Release Findings of REAL ID Report
In September 2006, a comprehensive analysis of the federal REAL ID Act was released revealing a cost to states of more than $11 billion over five years. The report—which reflects findings from a survey conducted by the National Governors Association (NGA), National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA)—sets forth the consequences and costs of implementing the act and makes recommendations to facilitate a more realistic approach. For more information, see AAMVA's press release. The report was released during a recorded press briefing. AAMVA Chief Policy Officer Tom Wolfsohn shared remarks on AAMVA's behalf.