The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established Oct. 1, 2020 as the deadline when they will begin requiring those boarding an aircraft using a driver’s license to have a Real ID license, according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

“Prior to this announcement, DHS had indicated enforcement of Real ID driver’s licenses or ID cards for air travel would happen no sooner than 2016,” said Troy Dillard, DMV director. “DHS has now clarified that for Real ID compliant states, including Nevada, enforcement will not occur until Oct. 1, 2020,” added Dillard.

Dillard said all variations of Nevada’s driver’s licenses and ID cards will be accepted by DHS until 2020, excluding the Driver Authorization Card. DMV started issuing the Real ID license in November of 2014. As a result, three versions of the Nevada license now exist:unnamed

  • The Real ID license, which features a star in a gold circle, reflects that documents used to obtain the license have been verified.
  • The Standard Driver’s License, issued since November 12, 2014, includes the wording, “Not for Federal Official Use.”
  • The Standard Driver’s License, issued prior to November 12, 2014, which features no additional markings.

Dillard said the announcement is significant because it gives Nevada residents more time to obtain a Real ID. “Now our residents can wait for their license renewal date to decide if they want to opt for a Real ID license,” said Dillard. “There is no need to come into our offices until your current license needs to be renewed. DHS’ announcement means we can plan for a more orderly transition to the new license,” he added.

Dillard said having a Real ID card is optional. When current driver’s license or ID card holders renew and seek a Real-ID compliant card they will need to provide one document for proof of identity, one document for proof of Social Security Number and two documents for proof of Nevada residency. Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to, the following:

Proof of Identity (Name and age):
Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card (preferred)
State issued birth certificate
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Marriage Certificate

Proof of Social Security Number:
Social Security Card
W-2 Form
Pay stub with Social Security Number

Proof of Nevada Residency:
Mortgage or rental receipt
Utility statement
Bank or credit card statement
Employment pay stub

(For a complete list of acceptable documents see link to DMV website at http://dmvnv.com/realid.htm )

DHS says the new cards will improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents and should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. The Real ID Act implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation for the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”