Real I.D. About To Effect Millions of Missourians
The residents in the Show Me State are about to see a major change in identification requirements. On January 10th Missouri will start requiring a Real ID to be able to enter federal facilities. This will mean that a Driver’s License will no longer be valid to gain entry into military bases, boarding an airplane and many more facilities. Castle Law has been informed that courthouses will not be requiring the new Real ID to gain entry.
In 2005 Real ID Act was signed to go into effect. This was in large part due to safety concerns after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Missouri fought to keep this from passing in the Show Me state, but federal requirements are forcing the new identity measures.
Amanda DeGroff of The Department of Homeland Security released a statement stating the following:
“The Department of Homeland Security is working with state officials to ensure their compliance with REAL ID Act standards and to grant a state an extension where warranted. Missouri has not yet provided adequate justification to receive an extension on compliance with the requirements of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.
As of October 10, 2015, federal agencies may only accept driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states that are compliant with the REAL ID Act or have an extension for accessing most federal facilities (including military bases) and entering nuclear power plants. Starting on January 10, 2016, driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by Missouri will not be accepted for these purposes. Missouri residents visiting a federal facility can provide another form of identification or follow procedures that the facility allows for persons without acceptable identification.
Missouri can request an extension at any time if there are new developments or additional relevant information regarding the steps they are taking to comply with the REAL ID Act requirements.”
Homeland Security did say that it will give a window of 120 day for people that are traveling with a Missouri Driver’s License.
Here is what you will need to do. Go to your local DMV and get a Real ID. You will still need to carry your Driver’s License to drive your vehicle. The Real ID will allow you to have access to the federal facilities. If you are a current client and need to gain access to the courthouse for your 341 meeting or you have a personal injury case that is going to trial, you will not need to get your Real ID.
If you have questions about obtaining a Real ID please contact your local DMV. You can find them at this link.
