BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDOT) – The North Dakota Department of Transportation is encouraging all motorists to obtain their Real ID before the October 1, 2020 deadline. After this date a Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required to board a commercial flight or gain access to secure Federal facilities, including military bases and some Federal offices. Motorists will need to make an appointment and have their documentation ready to obtain their Real ID.

Federal legislation created Real ID to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards as a safety measure to inhibit fraudulent identification and protect us from identity theft and fraud. Real ID places a gold star on state driver’s licenses indicating that certain forms of identification have been verified for motorists. This measure is also meant to require that citizens traveling on commercial aircraft have either a Real ID or a passport.

To get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, residents will need to make an in-person visit to a North Dakota driver’s license office.

There are four forms of identification that are required for the Real ID, including:
● One form of proof of age and identity such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport
● One form of documentation for proof of social security such as a Social Security card, W-2 form or SSA -1099 form
● Two forms of documentation for proof of North Dakota residency, such as a utility bill, lease or mortgage document or homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

“Motorists should consider making their appointments for obtaining their Real ID as soon as possible,” said Bill Panos, Director of Drivers License for NDDOT. “Appointments can be made at the Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Grand Forks Drivers License locations.”

The full checklist of documentation that can be utilized for proof of each of these forms of identification can be found on our website, https://www.dot.nd.gov, in addition to the link to the appointment scheduler to obtain a Real ID.