OHIO — If you haven’t had a chance to trade in your driver’s license for a REAL ID, you’re in luck.
Because of the pandemic requiring the shut down of motor vehicle offices across the country, the Office of Homeland Security is extending the deadline for the federally-compliant ID cards to Oct. 1, 2020. After that date, you’ll need a REAL ID to board an airplane, or enter a military base or other federal entity.
These identification cards have higher security standards than traditional ID cards and are not required within the state.
“You have an option in Ohio,” said State Registrar of Motor Vehicles Charlie Norman. “You do not have to get a compliant license. You can get the standard license, if you like. I can tell you, week over week, about 45 percent of our customers are opting for a compliant driver’s license.”
About 35 percent of Ohioans have transitioned to the REAL ID, which is more than the national average.
You’ll need to bring several forms of identification to the DMV office to get a REAL ID. You can find an interactive checklist and reserve your place in line online via the virtual queueing system at dmv.ohio.gov.
