Greene County and surrounding residents are reminded to plan ahead if traveling domestically or internationally after October 1st.

Greene County Treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen says anyone traveling by airplane, ship or train, after October 1st, are required to get the Real ID. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Real ID is a gold star in the upper right corner of a driver’s license or identification card. The designation is from the Department of Homeland Security for anti-terrorism and fraud protection. 

Mechaelsen says the required documents needed to get the Real ID include a social security card, a certified birth certificate or a valid passport, proof of residence and a document that signifies if someone has had their last name changed from their birth name.

“We have to have proof of the name change, whether it be a marriage certificate or a court ordered name change. Whatever the cause of the name change is we have to have proof of that.” 

Mechaelsen points out, a Real ID is also needed if someone wants to enter a federal facility. Those individuals who are required to have the Real ID at this time include CDL licenses and anyone getting an Iowa driver’s license for the first time. It costs $10 to add the Real ID to a driver’s license. Mechaelsen adds, if you need the Real ID, you can get it at any driver’s license station.