(WXYZ) — Fifty-five percent of Michiganders are still not REAL ID compliant.
However, if you’re a frequent flyer you may want to get real because starting Oct. 1, it’ll be against the law to fly domestically with a standard driver’s license or state ID.
It all stems from the REAL ID act, says Jake Rollow, with the Michigan Department of State. Passed in 2005, it’s an anti terrorism law aimed at making it more difficult for criminals to commit fraud and avoid detection.
So what does this REAL ID look like? It looks just like the one you have now, except with an added icon in the upper right corner – a gold circle with a white star.
Keep in mind, enhanced state ID and enhanced driver's licenses are already real id compliant as are U.S. passports, though not everyone wants to travel with those domestically. Some say they prefer to leave passports at home out of fear that it would be cumbersome to replace it if lost.
If you're dreading the idea of taking a ticket and waiting in a three to four hour line, there's good news. As of last year, the state made it possible for residents to make appointments in advance at all 131 branches.
If you do it online, they will take your email address and will email you a reminder and tell you what documents you need to bring. To apply for a REAL ID, you’ll have to show up in person with a certified birth certificate (raised seal), a valid passport or, an approved citizenship or legal status document, plus your glasses or contacts, if prescribed for driving.
Make an SOS appointment here.
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-5647_15036_83621_83648---,00.html
