Do you know what a Real ID is, or why you may need one?  The October 1, 2020 Real ID deadline Las Vegas is quickly approaching in Nevada. In the following article, we will go over the Real ID and what you need to know before the October 1, 2020 deadline.

What is the REAL ID Act?

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. The original text for the REAL ID Act is in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief (2005, P.L. 109-13, §§ 201-207, 119 Stat. 231, 312-16 (2005)).

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID Act

• establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and
• prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

The purposes covered by the REAL ID Act are:

• Accessing Federal facilities.
• Entering nuclear power plants.
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

What is a Real ID?

A Real ID is a driver’s license, permit or ID issued in compliance with the REAL ID Act. The upper right corner of a Real ID has a gold circle with a star cutout. It is a valid ID for boarding aircrafts, entering federal facilities requiring ID, or entering nuclear power plants.

Do you need a Real ID?

The REAL ID Act does not require identification to access a federal facility that does not currently require identification. For example, entrance to the public areas of the Smithsonian museum does not require identification.  The REAL ID Act does not prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, such as a U.S. passport or passport card.

You may want to get a Real ID if you plan to visit a

• military base,
• nuclear facility, or
• federal building that requires identification for entrance.

Beginning October 1, 2020, your state-issued ID or license must be Real ID-compliant to fly on a commercial airline within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

According to the Nevada DMV, you do NOT need a Real ID to:

• Vote or register to vote.
• Apply for or receive federal benefits.
• Be licensed by a state to drive.
• Access health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally-protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings).
• Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.
• Enter federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification.

Real ID in the News

Las Vegas area publications have been covering Real ID developments since the REAL ID Act’s implementation. A recent article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal states Nevadans urged to get Real IDs ahead of Oct. 1 deadline. The article explains that, “Instead of waiting until the weeks before Oct. 1, and likely long wait times, DMV officials recommend setting an appointment and getting a Real ID as soon as possible.”

In the article, DMV Director Julie Butler says, “The first step in knowing if you’re compliant is to check whether your driver’s license or ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner.”

Butler continued, “If your license has the gold star, you already have a Real ID. You’re good to go.”

If your license or ID card does NOT have the gold star, then read below. We provide instructions on how not miss the Real ID deadline Las Vegas in Nevada.

Considering the Real ID facts we’ve just shared, you’ll want to ensure that you get your Real ID as soon as possible; before October 1, 2020 arrives. If you have questions about Real ID, our legal team has the answers. Contact our Las Vegas law firm for this and any personal injury, wrongful death or accident-related issues you may have. If you’ve been the victim in an accident, call Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000.

How do you get a Real ID in Nevada?

For information regarding your Nevada Real ID visit the Nevada DMV website. For an interactive checklist of documents you need for a Real ID visit GetRealNevada.com.

To get a Real ID in Nevada

1. Gather your documents as listed below.
2. Speed up the process and make an appointment at your local DMV office.
3. Visit your local DMV office. Select your Nevada DMV office from this list.

What documents do you need to get a Nevada Real ID?

To get a Nevada Real ID, you need to present the following original documents when you visit your local DMV office:

1. Documentation of your identity, date of birth, and lawful status.
2. Proof of your Social Security number if one has been issued to you.
3. Proof of Nevada residency.
4. Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card.

Please note that you will have to provide proof of name change if your identification documents do not have your current full name.

To provide proof of your name change, you will need one of the following documents:

• marriage certificate (government issued),
• divorce decree, adoption records, or
• court order.

For your convenience, Get Real Nevada’s checklist is also provided below.

1. Proof of Identity – One Document Required

You must present one of the following as proof of identity:

All Applicants

• Valid Real ID driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state.
• Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card.
• Valid Enhanced Driver’s License from a U.S. state.

Applicants Born in the United States

• U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)

Applicants Born Outside the United States

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551). If the card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The old pink version of the I-551, called the “Resident Alien Card,” that contains no expiration date is also acceptable.
• Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 stamped “Processed for I-551.”
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form. If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

2. Proof of Social Security Number – One Document Required

You must present one of the following as proof of social security number:

• Social Security Card
• W-2
• IRS Form 1099
• Printed pay stub

3. Proof of Nevada Residency – Two Different Documents Required

Proof of Nevada residency documents must show your name and Nevada residential address. Nevada DMV accepts original printouts from online accounts. Documents must be dated within the past 60 days or the original or a certified copy of the last-issued document.

You must present two of the following documents as proof of your Nevada residency:

• Receipt for the rent or lease of a residence.
• Lease of a residence on which the applicant appears as the lessee.
• Record from a public utility for a service address.
• Bank or credit card statement.
• Employment check stub.
• Document from a state or federal court.
• Record, receipt or bill requesting payment.
• Record from an educational institution in Nevada which establishes enrollment or an ID card issued by the educational institution that lists the address.
• Record from a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park or campground located in Nevada. The record must indicate no fewer than 30 days of consecutive residency in this state.
• Voter registration card issued by a county clerk or county registrar of voters pursuant to Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 293 Section 517.
• Documentation of receipt of benefits from any State of Nevada program of public assistance.
• Leave and Earnings Statement or equivalent or successor form. This must indicate Nevada residency of an applicant who is a member of the military deployed outside Nevada on active duty.
• Notarized statement from the owner of a residence indicating that the applicant physically resides at the residence.
• Document issued by an insurance agency or its agent, including, without limitation, an insurance card, binder or bill.
• Record, receipt or bill from a medical provider.
• Tax records other than property taxes.
• Record of property taxes assessed or paid.
• Deed of trust or other documentation of a current mortgage
• Confidential Address Program (CAP) documents issued pursuant to Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 217 Sections 462‑471.

We hope this article helps you and your family navigate the Real ID deadline Las Vegas requirements.

Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers

If you need assistance understanding the Real ID laws, call our Las Vegas legal team. Award-winning Las Vegas personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers based in Henderson, Nevada. We serve clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Reno, and Clark County. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in employment law and personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.