Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department I continue to receive questions on the “REAL ID” driver’s license program in Massachusetts. This is a federal security program created in 2005 because of the September 2001 terrorist attacks. The goal is to have standardized and secure identifications issued throughout the country. Massachusetts ID’s will meet the similar standards as other states. As of October 2020, you will need a REAL ID or a Passport to board a plane or enter federal buildings in the United States. I was asked to provide some information on this program. People who have valid licenses will have a choice of obtaining a standard driver’s license or a REAL ID. These are individual choices as both will be available for issue by the Massachusetts Registry. However, as of October 2020, only a REAL ID or passport will be allowed as an acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you wish to obtain a standard license you can follow the same renewal plan as before. This can be done on line or in person at a Mass DOT Registry point. Should you wish to obtain the REAL ID, it must be done in person at a Registry office.You will be required to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, Massachusetts residency, and a valid social security number. A passport or a birth certificate are a valid proof of citizenship. For the REAL ID, you will need some documentation that will display your 9-digit Social Security Number.These can include a pay stub, W2 form, 1099 form, a tax return, and any other official document that has the full number. Should you be required to prove residency, you can use any number of documents that display a residential (Not PO Box) address. A piece of first class mail issued within 60 days can be used, as well as tax bills, utility bills, or other official correspondence proving your residence status. More information on these requirements can be found at https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements . |
The form of license you wish to have is an individual choice. If you have no intention of flying or using this to enter federal buildings, the standard license is fine. If you have use for this official ID, you will need to have it in place by October 2020. Please review the proper documentation to bring with you to obtain a REAL ID and avoid multiple trips to the Registry and the frustration that accompanies it.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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