REAL ID enforcement deadline approaching quickly

After the deadline has been extended multiple times, the Real ID deadline is quickly approaching.

By: Arkansas Money & Politics staff

Starting May 7, Arkansans who board a domestic flight or enter a federal building will need a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card to avoid providing additional documentation with a regular ID.

The nationwide initiative geared toward preventing fraud and terrorism began with the passage of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which prohibits the federal government from accepting driver’s licenses and ID cards issued by states that do not meet the requirements of the act. The enforcement deadline has been extended multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, a REAL ID can be obtained at any revenue office. There is no price difference between a REAL ID and a regular license, but the cost to upgrade to a REAL ID by having a duplicate license issued is $10 for a driver’s license and $5 for a state ID. Applications must be made in person.

Read more here.