State Drivers Licenses And The Real ID Act Explained

The Real ID Act, also known as the Real ID Act of 2005, was first put into law in May of 2005. It modifies the existing US federal law pertaining to a number of different subjects. Subjects that include authentication, security, and the way state drivers licenses and ID cards are available across the country.

Simply put, the Real ID Act created a specific set of requirements for the way both identification cards and drivers licenses are accepted by members of the US government and the Department of Homeland Security for “official purposes.” More specifically, those “official purposes” include the requirement that these forms of identification be presented. Presented when entering federal buildings, obtaining entry to nuclear power plants, and boarding any commercially operated airline that is either originating in or going to the US.

The major changes that the Real ID Act put to federal law can be characterize into six main elements. The first is that a new set of standards are at a federal level. Regarding the way driver’s licenses and identification cards given at the state level. Before that point, states made up their own rules and regulations. That is why the driver’s license from one state could vary wildly from one issued in another.

Another major change brought about by the Real ID Act involved changing the limits put forth on VISA documentation for Australian citizens as well as nurses and temporary workers.

One minor event that came form the Real ID Act involves the funding of reports and other informational documents. Documents relating to border security, particularly where pilots are concerned.

The New Rules Created By The Real ID Act

The Real ID Act creates a new set of rules necessary when issuing a delivery bond. Delivery bonds are similar to standard bail bonds in almost every way. With the major exception being that delivery bonds are traditionally use for immigrants. Immigrants who are on bail from police custody but are still waiting on a hearing in a court of law.

The Real ID Act also updates laws and requirements for people applying for asylum in the US. As well as, made adjustments on the procedures that federal officials would have to go through when deporting an immigrant.

Finally, the Real ID Act waived certain laws that were previously interfering with building physical barriers. Barriers at the borders between the US and Mexico. As well as, between the US and Canada.

Though the Real ID Act was first past into law in 2005, its implementation was recent. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement in December of 2013 indicating that the implementation of the first phase of the Real ID Act would begin in January of 2014. This was just the first of four phases that will continue to be inplace until January 1, 2016.

By estimation, the law changes and regulation creations affect very few citizens of the US. The real people affected by the act are those immigrants who have entered the United States through various means.