Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department In the past, I have provided information about the “REAL ID” driver’s license program. This is the federal security program created in 2005, designed to standardized and secure identifications issued to people throughout the country. This enables people to use their license as an official identification for domestic air travel or to enter federal facilities. Under this program, Massachusetts ID’s will meet similar standards as other states. There was a recent amendment to this program I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention. Massachusetts originally set October of 2020 as the formal transition date to this federal standard identification. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this date was moved on several occasions. This was primarily due to the in-person restrictions required to obtain this license. The prior deadline to obtain a REAL ID was extended until May 3, 2023. On December 5th, The Department of Homeland Security extended this again. The new deadline to obtain your REAL ID is May 7, 2025. This means after that date, only a REAL ID or a valid passport would be an acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. To obtain this, you are required to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, your Massachusetts residency information, and social security number. You are best to check the Registry Web Site for the official list and other information: https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements . A passport or an original birth certificate (with raised seal) are a valid proof of citizenship. For those who are married and have legally changed your name, a marriage certificate is required. Many people may not have an original copy handy and will need to obtain one. Birth certificates in Massachusetts can be obtained in the city or town where you were born, or in the town where your parents lived at that time. For example, if your parents lived in Dudley, and you were born in Worcester, you can obtain your birth certificate in either Dudley or Worcester. Marriage certificates are a bit different. The one issued by a church are not considered official documents by the Registry. Marriage certificates are available in the city or town where you declared your marriage intentions. If you have a standard license and wish to upgrade to a REAL ID, according to Mass DOT, there is a $25 processing fee to do this. |
If you are within one year of the expiration date of your license (on your birthday if you check) you will be responsible for the full license fee. Your REAL ID will then be your renewed license, and this is considered the standard process. Please review the proper documentation to bring with you to obtain the REAL ID to avoid multiple trips to the Registry and the frustration that accompanies it.
Our department will once again be collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. New and unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Monetary donations as well as gift cards are also accepted. There are definite needs in our area for these items and our department thanks everyone in advance for their continued generosity. For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling The Board of Health 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. 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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