New driver license format will require more documentation

Travelers will still be able to get on planes without a Real ID, but they’ll need another form of identification, such as an unexpired U.S. passport.

At least four documents are required for getting a Real ID.

The first requirement is for an applicant to prove their identity with documents that have their current name.

A valid, unexpired U.S. passport will work. Passports from other nations are acceptable, but must be accompanied by a valid, unexpired U.S. visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

A birth certificate also works and must be issued by a government agency in the United States, a U.S. territory or Canada. If applicable, a U.S. Report of Consular Birth Abroad also fulfills the requirement. Photocopies are not allowed unless certified by the issuing agency.

For those who have had a name change, proof can be provided by a certified marriage license or certificate, divorce decree or document from the courts or Register of Deeds. Foreign documents are not accepted for this requirement.

Applicants must prove they have a Social Security number. A Social Security card, a 1099 tax form, W-2 form or payroll record will suffice. All must show applicant’s name and full Social Security number.

Two documents showing North Carolina residency are required as well. Any two of the following, with the applicant’s name and address, will work:

• Any document (including a current driver’s license) issued by the state of North Carolina or a county or city in North Carolina or the federal government.

• North Carolina vehicle registration card, insurance policy or title.

• North Carolina voter precinct card.

• Military orders or military documents.

• Utility bill or cable bill.

• Housing lease or contract, mortgage statement, property or income tax statement.

• Preprinted financial statement.

• School records.

• A letter from a homeless shelter.

Minors (under 18) needing to prove residency have many options for fulfilling the requirement. School records, bank statements, and a hunting or fishing license are among acceptable forms.

After applying for a Real ID and being approved, the DMV issues a paper that will serve as a driver’s license until the plastic card arrives in seven to 10 business days.

The new card will have a gold star in the upper right hand corner. Real ID is not mandatory, and traditional N.C. driver’s licenses will have the words, “Not for Federal Identification” on them.

Applicants for Real ID will only have to go through the procedure once. After the card has been issued, updating Real ID will be the same procedure that a driver’s license has been in the past. The fee is $13.