Anyone who has visited a driver’s license station recently may be familiar with Real ID’s, even if they didn’t acquire one at that time.

Dallas County Treasurer Mitch Hambleton says people can currently get a Real ID, though they’re not yet necessary. Beginning October 1, 2020, the identification will be required for anyone flying on federally regulated commercial aircraft or entering into a secure federal facility. There are several documents needed to acquire a Real ID, including: proof of birthdate and lawful residential status, such as a birth certificate or valid passport; proof of social security number, such as a social security card; and proof of residence, such as a utility bill.

Hambleton says that may seem like a lot of required documentation, but he points out that you’ll likely never have to show it again. “Now you only have to provide that information once. Once you’ve done it the first time, you don’t have to gather all that stuff up for any renewals of your driver’s license. However, if you have a name change or any change like that that would have required additional documentation, you’d have to bring that in to update that information.”

Hambleton emphasizes the Real ID is only necessary for flying commercially or entering federal facilities. It won’t be necessary for driving, voting, or any other common task for which you’d need identification. To learn more about Real ID’s, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.