LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The deadline to get a REAL ID is now just one year away, and state officials say that many Arkansans still don't have one.
A REAL ID is a government-issued form of identification. May 7, 2025, is the deadline to get a REAL ID. After that, the identification will be required to board any domestic flights or enter government buildings.
Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the Department of Finance and Administration, says that Arkansas doesn't require a REAL ID and that a regular driver's license will still be valid.
"We still have about 1.7 million people in the state with a regular license or ID. And we want to be clear, those licenses are fine, they'll remain active. You don't have to obtain a REAL ID in Arkansas, you do have some states that say if you're going to get a license or an ID in our state, it has to be in the form of a REAL ID, Arkansas doesn't do that we give the option," Hardin explained.
Hardin notes that there will be certain limits for Arkansans without a REAL ID, passport, or active military identification.
"However, and that's a big however, if someone flies frequently, if they're in and out of a federal building, they're going to have to have, beginning on May 7, 2025, a REAL ID. And if you don't have that, you're gonna have to have a passport or an active military ID, if you don't have a passport or an active military ID, then a REAL ID is the only other option to board a flight. So definitely, if someone flies frequently, they need to consider this," Hardin said.
Hardin explains that not having a REAL ID can certainly throw a wrench in flying plans, and so it's important to be aware of the deadline.
"The worst-case scenario is a family shows up to the airport a year from now ready to go on that dream vacation. And then they say okay, we're let's see the REAL IDs. And they don't have I mean, that would obviously be a nightmare. And that's why it's so important that Arkansans are aware of this," Hardin said.
He adds that that's not an international flight. "That's if you're flying from here to Dallas, or Chicago or Los Angeles or New York. This is this is domestic flights, you have to have a real ID," Hardin said.
As of now, between 620,000 and 630,000 Arkansans have a REAL ID. If you don't yet have one, the good news is that it's not too late.
"When we look at those 1.7 million people with a regular license or ID, we know there are several 100,000 of those people that need to obtain a REAL ID, and they have a year to do it. That's the good news, you have a year," Hardin said.
While the decision to get a REAL ID is ultimately up to each individual, Hardin says that it's important for people planning on flying.
"We're trying to strike that balance of reminding Arkansans that you don't have to do it, but we really think you should consider it if you think there's any chance you're going to be traveling at all," Hardin said.
The REAL ID program dates back to a recommendation for the 9/11 Commission that required additional verification of personal information and added security features, with plans to initially implement the program in 2008, according to Hardin. He says that after 20 years and many delays, it's finally going to come to fruition.
"We've had so many extensions because of COVID," Hardin said. "But now, it looks like May 2025 is actually going to be it. So if you've been waiting and thinking, 'well, this keeps getting extended. Why do I need to?' It really looks like in May 2025 it's going to happen."
REAL IDs will still be issued after the May 2025 deadline, but beginning on that date, you'll have to have one to fly or enter a federal building.
How to get one
The REAL ID is offered at all 134 revenue offices across the state.
In order to get a REAL ID, you must be able to prove your legal presence in the country, you have to prove that you're a resident of the state of Arkansas, and you have to bring your social security card.
"So legal presence, that can be your birth certificate, or that could be your passport, you could bring that your identity, that's simple, you could bring your driver's license, a school ID, it could be your fishing license, just something that has your name on it," Hardin said.
For proof of residency, the document needs to be something that's mailed to your residence and has your name on it, such as a utility bill.
"The big note here is your name has to match across all those documents," Hardin said. "So if a woman has been married and the last name changes, then you have to bring the marriage certificate to justify it. If it changed due to divorce, you have to bring the divorce decree. So, if you think 'Should I bring this?' The answer is yes."
Lastly, for your social security number, you need to bring your social security card or a tax document presenting your full social security number.
Hardin says that the process is quicker in Arkansas than in other states and that all 134 revenue offices offer REAL IDs. He says that it's important to have all the necessary documents when going to get one.
"There are other states where it takes days to process this, and they send it to you in the mail. In Arkansas, you walk out with your REAL ID that day, but we do see quite a few cases where people don't have the proper documentation or something's missing. So then they have to go home, get something else make another trip to the revenue office," Hardin said.
"We know the revenue offices are not the favorite place in the world, so make sure you have the documents on the front end. Call us or visit the website. We don't want to see you frustrated and have to make another trip to the program office," Hardin added.
In Arkansas, you can get a REAL ID at any state revenue office and the fee is $10 to exchange your license for a REAL ID.
To find more information on REAL IDs and what you need to get them click here.
How to know if you have one
Hardin says that some Arkansans may already have a REAL ID and not even know it.
"It's interesting because I think there are people who actually have REAL IDs that may not even realize it. The way you know, if you have a REAL ID, it has a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. So that is how you distinguish a regular Arkansas license or ID from a REAL ID," Hardin said.
"So if you're wondering, pull your license or ID out, look in the top right-hand corner, if you see a gold star, it's a REAL ID," Hardin added.
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