REAL ID Deadline Approaching For CT Residents: What To Know

CONNECTICUT — If you have any plans to fly somewhere in the U.S. or visit a military base or other secure federal facility later this year, you have a little over five months to get the right identification.

Beginning Oct. 1, the U.S. Federal Government will require anyone boarding an airplane for domestic travel or entering certain federal buildings to have a "verified" driver's license, state-issued ID card or be required to show additional proof of identification, such as a passport. The verification is indicated on your license or ID card by a gold star in the top right corner. This federal law is commonly referred to as "REAL ID."

The nineteen terrorists who perpetrated the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks had 30 state-issued drivers licenses/IDs among them. The REAL ID Act was passed to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline from October of last year in consideration of the coronavirus pandemic.

It's quite possible you already have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. In October 2011, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles started offering this identity verification check for customers renewing their license or ID card, and for new, first-time applicants. A gold star on your license or ID card indicates you already have a verified ID. A verification process is a one-time check, so if you have the gold star you already meet federal standards and are set to jet.

To receive a REAL ID card, you will need to provide a few qualifying documents. Top of the list is a primary form of identification — either a passport, or original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You will also need a secondary form of identification, documentation of your Social Security number, and two proofs of residency in Connecticut. Specifically what types of documents qualify in each of these categories is spelled out on the DMV website here.

After you have gathered together your documents, you will need to take them to a DMV or partner office to begin your REAL ID application. A map of the participating locations can be found online here. Licenses with REAL ID verification cannot be renewed online, you will need to visit the DMV in person.

The current renewal fee is $72 for a six-year driver's license, $96 for an eight-year renewal, and $24 for a two-year renewal only available to residents 65 years of age and older. Connecticut residents who are active duty in the U.S. military or were honorably discharged in the last 60 days, may renew their driver’s licenses for free.

More information on REAL IDs in Connecticut can be found online here.