COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) - If you're an Ohio resident and plan on booking a flight soon, you'll want to make sure you have the correct ID.
Norman also noted there is a list of required documents to bring when applying for a REAL ID, and the BMV offers a checklist to assist residents.
The deadline to obtain Ohio’s REAL ID is one week away, on May 7. The federally compliant ID is required for air travel within the United States, as well as access to certain federal facilities. The REAL ID is indicated by a star in the top right corner of your driver’s license or state ID.
Charlie Norman, the state of Ohio’s registrar for motor vehicles, explained what it takes to get your REAL ID if you don’t have one yet:
"It doesn't take any longer to get a REAL ID than it does a standard driver's license - the only difference, really, is the documentation you have to bring in to get the credentials," Norman said. "You do have to do it in person; you come to a Deputy Registrar office with your with your paperwork, and usually you receive your credential in the mail in about seven to 10 business days, you do walk away with an interim paper credential to use in the meantime."
Norman also noted there is a list of required documents to bring when applying for a REAL ID, and the BMV offers a checklist to assist residents.
If you do not have a REAL ID after May 7, you will not be permitted to fly within the United States.
"We do have an interactive document checklist on our website - so if you go there, use that interactive checklist," said Norman. "It sort of walks you through the document requirements. Make sure you you come into the office with everything you need. The last thing we want to see is someone be turned away because they don't have the right documents."
If your ID already has a star in the top right corner, you are compliant and do not need to take further action.
There is no additional cost to obtain a REAL ID. Visit ohiobmv.gov to learn more about REAL ID requirements and to view the document checklist.
