Ohio residents have one year to secure their REAL ID compliant identification that will be needed to board domestic flights, access federal facilities or enter nu-clear power plants.

“One year may seem like a long time to sign up for REAL ID, but it’ll fly by before we know it,” said Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. “The process of collecting the documents for the identification may take longer than people realize, so it’s important to start planning now.”

Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license or an acceptable form of ID as per Transportation Security Administration requirements. These IDs can be obtained at Bureau of Mo-tor Vehicles Deputy Registrar locations, and will be mailed to the holder’s home in about 10 business days after they are ordered.

When applying for REAL ID, residents will need to bring documentation proving their full legal name, date of birth and Social Security Number. These documents also should prove legal presence as well as any name changes. Ohio residents also should bring two documents proving Ohio residency.

Signing up for a REAL ID comes at no additional cost for Ohio residents. The only costs associated will be the normal renewal or first-time license fees that motorists already pay.

Other acceptable forms of ID will be limited to passports, military ID, or Real ID-compliant state issued driver’s license or identification cards which meet the minimum-security standard established by the Department of Homeland Security.

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