REAL ID In Connecticut: 7 Questions Answered

CONNECTICUT — The deadline for needing REAL IDs to board domestic flights or access federal facilities is coming quick. A Real ID or other federally-approved identification such as a passport will be required to board an airplane or enter certain federal buildings come Oct. 1. Connecticut's DMV started offering the Real ID option in 2011.

Real ID driver's licenses are adorned with a gold star in the top right corner.

Here are some common REAL ID questions answered:

Do I absolutely need a Real ID

Not necessarily. Those with a valid U.S. passport can use that document to enter federal buildings and fly both domestically and internationally.

Those who already have a U.S. passport can benefit because it means one less document to remember to bring to the airport.

My license expires after Real ID change goes into effect and I don't have a passport, but I will need to fly. What should I do?

You can get a U.S. passport or opt to go through the Real ID license process with the DMV, which costs $30.

What happens after I apply for a REAL ID?

First, you'll receive a temporary, secure paper license at the facility — but TSA and federal agents will not accept the paper document. After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you.

Does my child need a REAL ID to board an airplane?

The TSA does not currently require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.

Do I need a REAL ID to vote?

No. You do not need a REAL ID to vote.

How and where do I get a REAL ID?

Real ID is available at the DMV and partner offices like DMV Express.

What documents are needed?

Residents need documents that establish citizenship or legal permanent residency, an address and a legal name.

Many people opt to use a combination of a Social Security card, two pieces of current mail (or computer-generated items such as bank statements) and a birth certificate or passport. Several different document options are available and it's best to double-check documents before heading off to the DMV or other license renewal center.

Below is the full list of acceptable documents from the Connecticut DMV:

IDENTITY:
You must present two (2) forms of identification; at least one of the documents must be from the Primary document list.

PRIMARY document list
US born

• US or US Territory Birth Certificate or Registration of Birth (Hospital issued and Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 not acceptable; foreign place of birth see Non-US Born)
• US Passport or Passport Card

Non-US born

• US Passport or Passport Card
• Foreign Passport w/ supporting documents (See Legal Presence noted below)*
• Certificate of Naturalization*
• Certificate of Citizenship*
• Permanent Resident Card*
• US Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Issued by the Department of State)

FULL LEGAL NAME

By law, the full name shown on the Primary document is your legal name and will be printed on your card. If your name is different than the Primary document.

SECONDARY document list

• Out of State US photo driver license
• US Territory or Canadian photo driver license
• Out of State US or Canadian issued photo learner permit
• Connecticut issued non-driver identification card, driver license or learner permit
• (Your driver license or ID may be required to be surrendered)
• US Military ID or dependent card with photo
• Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers
• Military discharge/separation papers (DD-214)
• Court Order: Must contain full name and date of birth (i.e. name change, adoption, marriage or civil union dissolution) Does not include abstract of criminal or civil conviction
• Marriage or Civil Union Certificate (certified copy issued by town/city)
• Pilot’s license (issued by the US DOT Federal Aviation Administration)
• Certified school transcript (school photo ID not acceptable)
• Social Security Card (Not laminated or metal. 16 and older must sign)
• CT Department of Corrections certificate (CN101503)
• Baptismal certificate or similar document
• State or Federal Employee Identification with signature and photo and/or physical description with or without date of birth
• Employment Authorization card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Federally Recognized Tribal Member ID card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

By law, you must present one of the following to prove your Social Security number. The 1099 or W-2 must show your full Social Security number and is only for proof of Social Security number, not identity.

• Social Security card
• W-2 form (issued within 5 years)
• 1099 (issued within 5 years)
• Non-US Citizens not eligible for a Social Security number must present proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

CONNECTICUT RESIDENCY:
You must provide two (2) different pieces of mail from two (2) different sources to prove your home is located in Connecticut. The documents do not need to include a postmarked envelope and may have been sent to a P.O. Box or by email. Both documents must:

• Show your name and your Connecticut residence address
• Be dated within 90 days (unless stated otherwise below)
• Be computer generated (typed)
• Postmarked mail (address may be handwritten)
• Bill from a bank or mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor or hospital
• Bank statement or bank transaction receipt showing the bank’s name and mailing address
• Pre-printed pay stub showing your employer’s name and address
• Property or excise tax bill, or Social Security Administration or other pension or retirement annual benefits summary statement and dated within the previous 12 months
• Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement
• Current valid homeowner’s, renter’s policy or motor vehicle insurance card or policy dated within the previous 12 months
• Current valid Connecticut motor vehicle registration
• Current motor vehicle loan statement for a motor vehicle registered in your name
• Residential mortgage or similar loan contract, lease or rental contract showing signatures from all parties needed to execute the agreement and dated within the previous 12 months
• Connecticut voter registration card
• Change-of-address confirmation from the United States Postal Service showing your prior and current address (Form CNL107)
• Survey of your Connecticut property issued by a licensed surveyor
• Official school records showing enrollment
• Parents or legal guardian of minor (under 18) may provide any two of the foregoing documents addressed to the parent residing at same address to prove minor residency, or use their own CT driver license or ID which shows the same address as one of the two required.

LEGAL PRESENCE in the UNITED STATES (Non-US born):

Legal status will be verified using Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE) which may take 10 business days or more.

• US Passport or Passport Card
• I-94
• I-551 Stamp in foreign passport
• Permanent Resident card or Resident Alien card
• Employment Authorization card
• Refugee Travel document
• B1/B2 requires Employment Authorization Card and verified Adjustment of Status Application
• F1 requires I-20 and I-94
• J1 requires DS2019 and I-94
• *Non-US Citizens not eligible for a Social Security number must present proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration and are not qualified for a verified driver license or ID card.
• *Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for a verified driver license or ID card.
• *B1/B2 visitor status is NOT eligible to obtain a CT credential.

NAME CHANGE DOCUMENTS

• Marriage or civil union certificate (certified copy issued by town/city)
• Marriage or civil union dissolution
• Probate court name change document
• DHS Petition for Name Change (USCIS Form N-662)

Those who have a Real ID already don't need to go through the whole document process again.
The Real ID law was passed as an extra layer of security against terrorists who would use false identification to fly or gain access to certain federal buildings.

Residents who aren't due for a renewal can convert a license for a $30 duplicate fee. Real ID is available at the DMV and partner offices like DMV Express.