States including California, North Carolina, and Rhode Island currently offer online driver’s license renewal for eligible drivers. However, the requirements differ by state.

Which drivers can renew their license online?

Online renewal is generally available only to drivers who meet specific conditions established by their state DMV. For example, California allows eligible drivers to renew online if they are within the permitted renewal period, do not need to change their address or personal description, and are not renewing a commercial driver’s license.

North Carolina also allows eligible non-commercial drivers to renew online, while certain restrictions — including a suspended license, outstanding debt or specific license types — require an in-person visit.

Rhode Island allows driver’s license renewal online with a credit card, although obtaining a REAL ID for the first time must be done in person.

What do you need to renew online?

The information required depends on the state, but drivers should generally have their current driver’s license and personal information available. North Carolina, for example, requires the driver’s license or ID card and Social Security number for its online renewal process.

Drivers should also be prepared to pay the renewal fee online and provide any additional information requested by their state DMV.

State DMV rules can vary

There is no single nationwide process for online driver’s license renewal. Each state determines who qualifies, how often a driver can renew online, and when an in-person visit is required.

Before starting the process, drivers should check the official DMV or driver’s licensing agency website for their state to confirm their eligibility and the documents they need.

Many of those recipients lived in the house in question year-round. On Tuesday, a judge agreed with them on the essentials: this is not how it’s done.

What the judge said

Wayne Ozzi, a state Supreme Court justice in Staten Island, concluded that the Department of Finance violated the due process rights of the homeowners who sued. His central reasoning was that the city had enough tax data at hand to distinguish a primary residence from a second home, and did not use it. By skipping it, the city shifted onto owners a burden that was not theirs to carry: proving something as basic as where they live.

According to the ruling, that burden is no minor detail. Many owners, especially those less familiar with bureaucratic procedures, might need lawyers or accountants just to document information the administration itself had within reach. The notices, the judge added, made owners spend time and money unnecessarily and did not explain what evidence they were expected to submit.

What he ordered

The decision has several parts:

• Cancel all notices sent so far.
• Replace the broad roll of potentially affected homes with a narrower one that reflects only the properties that actually owe the surcharge.
• Send new notifications only after an individualized determination, based on all the resources and information available to the Department of Finance and backed by records supporting each case.

According to Politico’s coverage, picked up by other outlets, the ruling also eliminates the exemption mechanism the city had set up, which the judge described as unlawful shifting of the burden of proof.

A lawsuit against the method, not the tax

It is worth being precise about the scope. The three plaintiffs did not challenge the city’s ability to collect the surcharge, but how it went about applying it. They argued that owners whose homes are their primary residences were wrongly identified as potential taxpayers. Among them are the wife and father of Republican Staten Island Councilmember Frank Morano. They are represented by Randy Mastro, a former deputy mayor.

The surcharge reaches homes worth more than $5 million held by people who do not live in the city, as well as co-ops and condos valued at $1 million or more. According to the administration’s estimates, it would affect about 10,000 properties and raise $500 million to close the budget deficit. It was approved in April, alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Mistakes from the start

The case exposed flaws in the method. The city acknowledged that it did not check personal income tax returns before mailing the letters. When it did, thousands of properties that had received the notice turned out to be primary residences. In addition, after the mailing, it obtained more recent tax forms from the state six months ahead of schedule and told hundreds of people that, after all, they did not owe the tax.

The ruling came one week before October 6, the deadline to request an exemption.

The parties respond

Mastro said he was gratified and criticized that it took a lawsuit for the administration to correct course. In his view, City Hall should have admitted its errors and fixed them instead of spending time and public money defending them in court.

From the mayor’s office, spokesperson Matt Rauschenbach called the ruling wrong and defended the surcharge as a matter of fairness: anyone who can afford a luxury home in the city can contribute to the schools, streets and parks.

City Hall appealed that same night and invoked the automatic stay provided by state law, which puts the ruling on hold and allows the surcharge to keep being implemented while the case moves forward. It was not the first time: in August, Ozzi issued a temporary restraining order, and the city’s appeal kept it from taking effect.

A widening judicial front

The same Tuesday, a group of Suffolk County homeowners and a co-op sued the State of New York. They argue that the law discriminates against nonresidents, applies retroactively and imposes unconstitutional burdens on owners and co-op buildings. Unlike the Staten Island case, this one attacks the legality of the tax itself.

With the premise that the immense number of existing federal agencies can generate doubts and confusion, the president stated that it is “a digital home designed around your time, your life” during his speech at the launch event.

What can the America.gov website be used for?

The website that was presented to the public on Tuesday, September 29 can be used to ask questions and obtain answers based on official information, without having to search separately on the agencies’ websites.

The project aims for, at a more advanced stage, procedures to be carried out directly from the platform, such as:

• Renew a passport.
• Enroll in Medicare.
• Search for information on benefits, programs, and other federal services.
• Access forms and government procedures from a single place.

Tax filing services before the IRS and certain systems linked to defense and intelligence would be excluded.

How does the system on this government website work?

The website works with a conversational interface based on artificial intelligence. The platform allows users to ask questions directly or explain what they need without having to first investigate which agency is responsible for the procedure.

As agencies incorporate it into their systems, the plan is for users to also be able to complete certain operations only through America.gov.

To ensure security, for those procedures that require identity verification, the integration of Login.gov is proposed, a federal authentication system.

America.gov will not obligatorily replace existing channels, since citizens will be able to continue carrying out procedures by phone, mail, in person, or through each agency’s specific websites

Now, SB 1058, Local Meals for Children, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, will modify the factors that districts must take into account when contracting services for food programs.

The Golden State seeks to prioritize a healthy proposal, which can become difficult if, in every contract, priority is given to the lowest price on the market.

The official text of the new regulation details the arguments in favor of the entry into force of this amendment to the current law will make it possible to place other factors, such as quality, at the center of the scene.

What is California’s SB 1058 bill

According to current laws, at the moment when a school district must carry out contracts intended for child nutrition programs, the law determines that the main factor to consider must be the price of the products.

SB 1058 seeks to change this so that, first and foremost, a bid considered more “appropriate and responsible” can be prioritized and not necessarily the one with the best price.

However, when IFB (Invitation for Bids) procurement procedures are used, used to directly purchase meals or food, suppliers submit product values without room for negotiation, and the regulation states that the contract must still prioritize the one offering the lowest value.

What changes for California schools

The text, as its main measure, removes from the law the requirement that price be the main driver behind the purchasing decision.

This is especially relevant for the types of procurement known as RFP (Request for Proposal), where proposals are submitted to be evaluated based on different criteria, not necessarily limited to price. These are used, for example, when a school authority contracts a company to manage the food service.

Those promoting the measure argue that the entry into force of SB 1058 will provide greater freedom to consider other factors in contracts and favor a possible presence of healthier products in institutions.

On one hand, there is the traditional booklet, and on the other, a standard-size card. They do not have the same uses and also do not cost the same when processing the application.

How do the passport card and passport booklet differ?

According to the State Department: “The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized plastic passport that does not have pages for visas”.

For this reason, unlike the passport booklet, it does not allow international air travel. It only enables the following actions:

• Enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean countries.
• It can be used for certain land crossings to Canada and Mexico.

The passport booklet allows travel by air, land, or sea outside the United States.

On the other hand, the cost is not the same either. Those applying for a new passport will find the following costs:

• US$165 for the booklet
• US$65 for the card

For those who meet the renewal requirements:

• US$130 for the booklet.
• US$30 for the card.

Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16 years old. Both the card and the booklet can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID identification to board domestic flights within the United States.

Requirements to meet: What is needed to obtain a passport?

Those applying for a U.S. passport for the first time as adults must submit Form DS-11 and complete a series of requirements established by the State Department.

Mainly, documents such as the following are required:

• Physical proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Photo ID.
• Photocopies of the documentation used to prove identity and citizenship.
• A passport photo that meets the official requirements.
• Completed Form DS-11: it must be signed before the acceptance agent.
• Payment of the corresponding fees for the type of document requested.

The State Department clarifies that it does not accept digital versions of these documents, such as electronic birth certificates stored on cell phones.

Who can obtain a U.S. passport?

Anyone who can prove citizenship can obtain a U.S. passport in either of its forms. This includes:

• Citizens by birth.
• Citizens born abroad who obtained citizenship through their parents.
• Citizens by naturalization.

Who can renew the passport?

To renew the passport, certain eligibility requirements must be met:

• That the passport to be renewed had full validity.
• That it was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older.
• That it was issued less than 15 years ago.
• That it is in good condition, without severe damage such as stained, torn, or missing pages.
• That it has not been reported lost or stolen.

To renew it online, other requirements must also be met:

• Be 25 years of age or older.
• Have a passport that was valid for 10 years.
• That it is set to expire within the next year or expired less than five years ago.

Lawful permanent residents in the United States

Having lawful permanent residence in the United States is not enough to obtain a U.S. passport.

In March 2023, through his personal website Gates Notes, the tycoon made an announcement to the world that did not go unnoticed: “The age of artificial intelligence has begun”. More than three years after that moment, it is not hard to agree that he was right. Today these models are used to work, to be entertained, and there are even those who establish deep emotional bonds with chatbots, available to anyone who can provide a registration email.

From the beginning of the rise of this technology, Gates was one of its greatest defenders, assuring that applied to fields such as health and education it could reduce gaps and maximize workers’ productivity. Although its good uses are still considered, today the tycoon no longer predicts only positive effects: “AI will be either the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice. The challenge is enormous. Even in the best circumstances, the transition to this new era of AI will be one of the most turbulent moments in human history,” he states in a recent post on the same blog.

The “new era” of AI: growth we are not preparing for, according to Bill Gates

The philanthropist does not lose his optimism. He still maintains that the arrival of AI can be “a force for good” if the necessary measures are taken.

However, he does not believe that is what is happening globally at the moment. “I see no evidence that leaders, experts and communities are properly facing the challenges. There are no plans to ease the entry into the age of AI”.

The negative side, the one that is not used for immediate tasks and that in the wrong hands has shown its potential to wreak havoc, is the point that alarms him most. In a recent interview with NBC news, Gates said that “AI is, without a doubt, powerful enough to trigger events that cause a billion deaths”.

Gates’s statements are framed in a context with major security scandals related to AI -which a article in the Financial Times nicely compiles- such as Open AI hacking the website of a public health service in Australia or the Anthropic model, Claude, being attempted to be used by Yemeni militiamen for the control of ballistic missiles.

In addition, on September 8 Jacob Coxon, an artificial intelligence researcher who worked with Anthropic and OpenAI, announced on X that he resigned from his position at the first company because he considered that “neither company acts responsibly”.

In statements to the BBC the researcher’s remarks were even more alarming: “I think that, if we do not slow the current pace of progress, there is a great probability that we will all die in the immediate future”.

Bill Gates says AI has to go against the grain

“As long as I can remember, I have wanted innovation to happen faster. With AI, my feelings are more complicated,” he says and emphasizes that time is needed to prepare for the repercussions it can have socially, politically and economically.

Gates does not always speak about the severity of AI in extreme cases, but explains that its effects can be seen, for example, in job shortages, in the power it can grant certain people or other AIs to cause harm, and in the development of human relationships, if the right policies are not taken.

In fact, he says he would support whoever had a global plan to slow its advance and emphasizes the need to create a national and international framework to deal with AI.

“This unprecedented technology demands an unprecedented global response. If we do it right, the reward for humanity will be phenomenal and the world will be a more equitable place,” he assures.

A summer of legislative work

Both chambers worked on similar versions during the hot months. The House of Representatives gave its approval by voice vote earlier this month. The Senate, for its part, had already passed an identical version by unanimous consent in August.

The text that reached the final stretch differs slightly from another version that made its way through the Capitol earlier this year. That one ordered the Treasury to stop minting pennies, but did not explicitly establish the end of the coin.

A penny that is nearly dead

In practice, the penny was already on its way out. This year, collector’s pieces were issued for the country’s 250th anniversary, but none has been struck for circulation since last fall.

The law would make that situation official, though it would still allow one-cent coins to be made “as numismatic items.” Those already in circulation would keep their value: they would remain legal tender for paying debts, taxes and public charges.

Paying in cash, without the headaches

Since businesses began reporting penny shortages last summer, paying in cash has become clunky. Some businesses rounded on their own, and others offered gift cards or promotions in exchange for coins. The paradox is that there are pennies to spare: it is estimated that more than 300 billion exist, about $8 per resident. They just don’t make it to the cash registers, and the law would not change that.

What it would change is legal certainty. Businesses would be authorized to round cash payments to the nearest nickel, something some states and localities prohibit today. That was the point highlighted, in separate statements, by the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Convenience Stores when celebrating the bill’s passage.

The nickel, at center stage

With the penny gone, the nickel becomes the country’s smallest coin, and it has its own cost problem. In fiscal year 2025, making one cost more than 13 cents, a figure slightly lower than the 13.78 cents of the previous year.

The law does not eliminate this coin, although at least one expert has argued it would have been simpler to do without it instead of the penny. What it does do is authorize the Treasury Secretary to test and evaluate new compositions and to propose one if it reduces production costs and has a minimal adverse impact on machines designed to accept coins. One option would be to make it from zinc with an outer layer of nickel. Today only the penny and the $1 coin use zinc, which last year cost nearly $7,000 less per tonne than copper, according to the Mint.

Changing a coin’s composition, however, is not simple. Earlier attempts to make the penny cheaper failed.

What remains

Trump’s signature is still needed. The president had already asked the Treasury, early last year, to stop minting pennies, calling them “wasteful.” If he enacts the law, that administrative decision will become a legal mandate.

The new model introduces aesthetic changes to the card, but also promises enhanced security compared with previous versions.

Florida driver’s license changes: what the new model looks like

The authorities explain that the current design aims to pay tribute to Florida’s history.

El Castillo de San Marcos, a historic fortress for the United States, appears as the background image on the front of the driver’s license.

The state’s distinctive orange is placed as an orange in the O of “Florida”, which appears in the upper left corner of the credential.

For its part, the typical manatee was included along with the Real ID star, which guarantees compliance with federal standards for official purposes, located at the top right.

On the back side, the inscription “Let Us Alone” is included, which was the first unofficial flag of the state. The iconic Discovery space shuttle was chosen as the background image.

In addition, the security features were reinforced on these cards, which include repeated data in different places, ultraviolet ink, tactile elements, and symbols that change depending on the viewing angle.

Other features of Florida driver’s licenses and ID cards

The state also explains that issued licenses are distinguished by their header colors (for example, CDL licenses are marked in blue, driving licenses in green, and licenses for those under 21 in orange).

In addition, there are distinctions for athletes, boaters, hunters, veterans, organ donors, deaf people, and people with certain disabilities.

What will happen to current driver’s licenses and ID cards

The DLHSMV states that the launch of this new model does not mean that the previous ones must be replaced. All copies remain valid until the specified date, and the change will be made progressively.

When the time comes for an old license to be renewed, another one with the updated model will be issued.

What requirements must applicants meet to obtain a driver’s license

According to the Florida Driver License Handbook, all first-time applicants must meet basic requirements such as

• Present a primary identification document (such as a birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security Number or secondary identification
• Two documents proving Florida residency
• In addition, the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course must be completed
• Pass vision, knowledge, and driving skills tests
• Pay 48 dollars

The procedure can be completed at the different service centers, where the license is already available. Those who need to update their license can do so online by clicking here, but the new model will take time to arrive. It is indicated that for online procedures, it will only be available around the end of November.

According to the statistics for 2025, California has a total of 25,742,093 registered vehicles.

In this context, renewing online is one of the most practical options for the millions of people who must carry out this procedure, but in order to do so through this channel, it is necessary to meet essential requirements.

Who is eligible for online vehicle registration renewal in California

In order to complete the procedure virtually, it is necessary

• To have a credit card, a debit card, or a checking account
• To know the last 5 digits of the vehicle’s VIN or its HIN
• To have insurance for the vehicle or a vehicle that does not require insurance
• The DMV already has registered information that the vehicle passed the smog certification

If these requirements are not met, it will be necessary to complete the process by another method.

How to complete the online registration process

The process is carried out through the DMV’s official website by clicking here and filling out the fields with the required information.

It is important that the fees imposed are paid within no more than 20 days. Otherwise, a late fee will be applied.

How long does it take to renew the registration if the process is completed online?

The processing time indicated for this type of procedure is approximately one week.

What should those who have changed their address do but still want to renew online

Renewing online is possible after an address change, but in these cases, it is recommended to wait 3 business days between the change and the time the online process is completed.

Important information for minors: those who cannot register their vehicle

Vehicle Code, DIV 6.5, Chapter 1 prohibits by law minors without a valid driver’s license from requesting, leasing, buying, or receiving a vehicle in their name as a gift, so in these cases, the process cannot be carried out by any means.

Each state has its own system for assigning points, suspending, and even revoking a driver’s license, as well as violations that, on their own, can trigger these consequences.

How does New York’s Points System work?

According to the New York DMV on its official page in the “Points and Penalties” section:

“For points to be added to your driving record, you must be convicted of the traffic violation. The total points are calculated based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction. To calculate your point total, the violations committed in the last 24 months are added up.”

When the 24 months pass, the points are no longer counted, but they remain on your record while the conviction remains in effect, something your insurance company could use to raise your premium.

On the other hand, if a driver receives 6 or more points in an 18-month period, they must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee.

When 11 or more points are accumulated, the DMV can suspend the driver’s license.

Which violations automatically add 11 points?

The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation:

• Speed limit not specified: 3 points.
• Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the permitted limit: 3 points.
• Driving 11 to 20 mph over the permitted limit: 4 points.
• Driving 21 to 30 mph over the permitted limit: 6 points.
• Driving 31 to 40 mph over the permitted limit: 8 points.
• Driving more than 40 mph over the permitted limit: 11 points.
• Speeding in a work zone: 8 points.
• Alcohol- or drug-related driving incident: 11 points.
• Aggravated unlicensed operation: 11 points.
• A high-clearance vehicle striking a bridge: 8 points.
• Reckless driving: 5 points.
• Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points.
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury: 5 points.
• Failure to exercise due care: 5 points.
• Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation: 5 points.
• Engaging in contests or speed races: 5 points.
• Inadequate brakes on an employer’s vehicle: 4 points.
• Following too closely: 4 points.
• Using a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving: 5 points.
• Improper passing, unsafe lane change, driving left of center or in the wrong direction: 3 points.
• Violation related to a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign: 3 points.
• Failure to yield the right of way: 3 points.
• Violation at a railroad crossing: 5 points.
• Leaving the scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to a domestic animal: 3 points.
• Violation of safety rules for children under 16: 3 points.
• Inadequate brakes while driving an employer’s vehicle: 2 points.
• Any other traffic violation: 2 points.

Suspensions: Defined or indefinite?

The DMV distinguishes between fixed suspensions, that is, those that have a start and end date, and indefinite suspensions, which do not end until the driver meets the requested requirements or actions.

A driver’s license is usually suspended for a set period when:

• The driver was found guilty of charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Too many points were accumulated.
• They did not follow the rules established for young drivers.
• The corresponding insurance was not paid.

By contrast, an indefinite suspension may occur when the driver:

• Did not respond to a traffic ticket.
• Did not pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA).
• Did not file the corresponding report after an accident.
• Owes child support.
• Owes tax debts to the state of New York.
• Did not have liability insurance.

What the numbers say: 2026 road crashes

The New York City Police Department reported the figures for September 2026 compared with 2025.

According to the report, during 2026, the following were recorded:

• 61,331 collisions: -2.03%
• 27,040 injury collisions: -0.98%
• 36,655 total injuries: -0.07%
• 22,910 motor vehicles: -0.15%
• 3,790 two-wheeled motor vehicles: +3.19%
• 147 deaths: -6.37%

What does Vision Zero propose?

Vision Zero is New York City’s Road Safety strategy, based on the premise that deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes can be prevented through changes in street design, enforcement, education, and public policy.

This initiative began in 2014 and has a municipal investment of US$4.5 billion through fiscal year 2028. In September 2026, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented Vision Zero Reimagined, a 10-year plan that aims to:

• Redesign the streets considered the most dangerous.
• Install enhanced natural lighting and other improvements at at least 1,000 intersections per year.
• Deepen the enforcement of Sammy’s Law, which allows speed limits to be reduced in certain areas.
• Expand automated enforcement systems.
• Create the Super Speeder program, aimed at drivers who repeatedly accumulate serious violations, in addition to strengthening enforcement against the so-called ghost plates used to evade cameras and fines.
• Encourage more secure forms of transportation, such as walking, using public transit, bicycles, and other micromobility options.
• Establish stricter safety rules for electric bikes and scooters.

According to City Hall, since the launch of Vision Zero, traffic deaths have fallen by around 30%, and the goal is to bring them to zero.

The latest is that he launched the Bronx’s first exclusive corridor, a project on one of the most heavily traveled avenues that seeks to reduce travel times for about 39,000 people who use the Bx36 line daily.

The busway operates every day between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. and is part of a broader program to speed up bus service in New York City.

Where will the exclusive traffic lane be located in the Bronx?

The new corridor is on Tremont Avenue, one of the Bronx’s main east-west traffic arteries. The project covers approximately one mile of busway and another 0.26 miles of exclusive bus lane.

The configuration changes according to the direction of travel:

• Heading east, the busway extends from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard.
• Heading west, it runs from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue.
• In addition, between Webster Avenue and Third Avenue, heading east, a shared lane for buses and bicycles was added.

The corridor especially benefits passengers on the Bx36 line, whose buses have been recorded traveling at speeds below 5 miles per hour during periods of heaviest congestion. It also facilitates connections with eight subway lines, Metro-North and other bus services.

Which vehicles will be allowed to travel, and which will have restricted access?

The busway operates seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. During that period, buses, trucks with six wheels or more, emergency vehicles and Access-A-Ride units may travel the full corridor.

Other vehicles, including taxis, private cars and ride-hailing or transportation service vehicles, may not use the corridor as a through route. They may enter from side streets to make local access, such as dropping off or picking up passengers, but must exit at the next available right turn.

To enforce compliance with these restrictions, the project includes fixed cameras installed along the corridor, cameras mounted on buses and inspections by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The new safety changes: Where will they apply?

The New York Department of Transportation (NY DOT) incorporated safety modifications at eight intersections on Tremont Avenue and nearby streets:

• Tremont Avenue and Webster Avenue.
• Tremont Avenue and Third Avenue.
• Tremont Avenue with Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway.
• Third Avenue and East 175th Street.
• Southern Boulevard with Crotona Parkway and 180th Street.
• Crotona Avenue and 180th Street.
• Third Avenue and 180th Street.
• Tremont Avenue and Washington Avenue.

Among the main interventions are painted curb extensions, intended to shorten the distance pedestrians must walk to cross and to force drivers to slow down when turning. These areas were reinforced with flexible bollards, granite blocks and bicycle parking spaces, also with the aim of discouraging improper parking.

The program this project is part of: What does Vision Zero propose?

The decision to add these measures responds to the record of crashes on Tremont Avenue, a corridor included among the priority areas of New York’s Vision Zero program. According to data released by city authorities, between 2020 and 2024, about 630 people were injured in traffic crashes and four lost their lives on this stretch.

The redesign aims not only to improve bus speeds, but also to reorganize traffic and reduce conflict points between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The city also seeks for the reduction in space available for general traffic and the greater delineation of crossings to force drivers to slow down when entering intersections, especially in areas where several avenues converge or there is heavy public transit passenger movement.

This Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards (IDs). This means that if you do not have a REAL ID, you must present a passport or another valid document to travel, now that a standard driver’s license will not be enough.

Why do I have to upgrade my license to a REAL ID?

According to official information, if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, you would need a different TSA-acceptable form of identification to travel between states.

Also, you will not be able to use it to access federal government facilities or military installations or enter nuclear power plants.

A REAL ID would appear, depending on the state’s policies, as a gold star on the upper right side of the driver’s license.

How to apply for a REAL ID?

You must follow the process established by your state’s driver’s licensing agency and provide the required documents. In most cases, you will need to present:

• Proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, Form W-2, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job.
• Proof of residency in the state, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.

The exact requirements and application process vary by state, so applicants should check their state driver’s licensing agency’s website before applying.

Can I fly without a REAL ID?

There is no obligation to apply for a REAL ID, but you have to know that you will need to travel with TSA-acceptable identification to fly within the country.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, TSA accepts several other forms of identification for domestic air travel, including:

• U.S. passport.
• U.S. passport card.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Foreign government-issued passport.
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
• Border crossing card.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe.
• HSPD-12 PIV card.
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.