REAL ID Deadline Approaching In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — After it was pushed off a year by the coronavirus pandemic, the deadline to get a REAL-ID is fast approaching in Rhode Island. Starting Oct. 1, 2021, you won't be able to fly — even domestically — or access federal buildings with a standard driver's license or state ID.

REAL IDs are optional, and are not needed to drive, vote or for children under 18 to fly.

Rhode Island has offered REAL IDs at the Division of Motor Vehicles since 2018. Although they are free to obtain during a standard license renewal, it will cost $27.50 to get one outside your renewal period.

Getting a REAL-ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV, or to one of AAA's Rhode Island branches, if you're a member. You'll need to bring certain documents to your appointment to prove your identity: one proof of identity, one proof of a social security number and two documents proving Rhode Island residency. Options for each category are listed below.

Proof of Identity (choose one)

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• Certified copy of a birth certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad
• Permanent resident card
• Employment authorization document
• Unexpired foreign passport, with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed to it
• Certificate of naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Note: if your name is different from that of your primary identity document, you'll need a government-issued document showing the change.

Proof of social security number (choose one)

• Official social security card (laminated is acceptable)
• Letter from the Social Security Administration explaining the person is not eligible for a social security number
• W-2 form showing the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)
• 1099 form with the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)
• Paystub with the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)

Proof of Residency (choose two)

• Utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, oil, water, sewer, satellite, heat, cell phone) dated within 60 days that clearly states the person's name, or a member of their immediate family, and address
• Personal check or bank statement with the person's name and address, dated within 60 days
• Payroll check with the person's name and address, dated within 60 days
• Lease agreement that is currently in effect that shows the name and address (handwritten not acceptable)
• Letter issued by a Rhode Island or federal agency showing receipt of benefits from an entitlement program, dated within 60 days
• Valid homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
• Valid automobile insurance policy
• Property tax bill from the immediately preceding year
• Letter from a Rhode Island shelter or halfway house stating the person lives there (must be on letterhead, have administrator contact info and be dated within 30 days)
• Jury summons dated within 60 days
• W-2 with name and address from the preceding year
• Loan contract (student, automobile) that is currently in effect
• Current Social Security Administration statement with name and address listed
• Current pension or retirement account statement with name and address
• Minors only: school record from the current school year (report card, diploma, transcript, ID card) or the Rhode Island driver's license or ID card of the adult signing the minor's application

Besides a REAL-ID driver's license or state ID, several other forms of ID qualify. These include U.S. and foreign passports, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards and more. A full list is available on the TSA's website.

Read more about REAL IDs in Rhode Island on the DMV's website.