On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will officially begin enforcing the REAL ID Act at airports. The 9/11 inspired act requires all Americans to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or other acceptable form of ID, before going through airport security or entering a federal building.
Where can I get one?
As an Arkansas resident, you may be wondering where you can obtain a Real ID, or Arkansas enhanced driver’s license. The following Revenue Offices issue the REAL ID: Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, Conway, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith (6515 Phoenix Avenue), Greenwood, Harrison, Hot Springs (200 Woodbine), Jonesboro, Little Rock (Three State Police Plaza Drive), Little Rock (1900 W. 7th St.), Little Rock (9108 North Rodney Parham), Monticello, Mountain Home, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, Sherwood, Springdale, Texarkana, West Memphis and White Hall.
A list of the 25 locations can be found on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website located at: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office-locations/arkansas-real-id-dl-id-offices
Keep in mind you’ll need to be prepared with the necessary paperwork before you make the trek to obtain your new Real DL/ID. So, be sure to review the list of required documents before you head out!
What does a Real ID cost?
According to a news release by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, “The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID.”.
What is a REAL ID?
According to the Department of Homeland Security website, enhanced driver’s licenses have a “vicinity Radio Frequency Identification chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the Customs & Border Patrol officer as you approach the border inspection booth, and a Machine Readable Zone or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if RFID isn’t available.”
Learn More
Read the full text of the REAL ID Act: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/real-id-act-text.pdf
Additional information on the REAL ID Act of 2005 may be found at: www.dhs.gov/real-id
List of required documents for Real DL/ID: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/driverServicesOffice/Req_Doc_for_VES_color_version.pdf
REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions
Recommended reading:
In Arkansas, getting an enhanced ID driver’s license requires legwork; you’ll need it by October 2020, by Eric E. Harrison, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette