Starting Wednesday: REAL ID required for flights, federal facilities

Time’s up for traditional IDs: Starting Wednesday, a REAL ID will be required to board a plane or enter federal facilities.

For those who haven’t yet made the switch, 134 Revenue Offices in Arkansas are ready to issue REAL IDs on the spot. (A full list of these locations can be found at Office Locations – Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.)

To avoid potential lines, Arkansans can book an appointment online at Schedule or Find an Appointment – Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. However, walk-ins are also welcome at all Revenue Offices.

Preparing for the visit is key. Applicants must bring the following documentation:

• Proof of legal presence (like a U.S. birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of identity (such as a current driver’s license or Military ID)
• Their Social Security card (replacements can be requested by clicking here or by calling 800-772-1213)
• And two proofs of residency (like utility bills or bank statements).

To ensure a smooth process, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration recommends using their online quiz at Real ID Quiz: Finance & Administration, AR Dept of (DFA) to verify document eligibility before heading to a Revenue Office.

Further details and answers to common questions about the REAL ID Act are available on the Department of Homeland Security website.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.”