Massachusetts will now offer REAL ID compliant licenses and IDs, allowing residents to breathe a sigh of relief as the October 2020 deadline approaches

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keeping IDentities Safe congratulates Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards, starting March 26, 2018. The REAL ID act of 2005 directed the federal government to set security standards for driver's licenses.

Brian Zimmer, President of Keeping IDentities Safe stated, "It's gratifying that Massachusetts will now offer REAL ID compliant driver's licenses. This step will ensure greater oversight, improved processes, and less fraud at RMVs, while also expanding the number of REAL ID license holders by millions. The state RMV has undergone an impressive transformation in the last year alone, and our organization is happy to see another state headed towards full REAL ID compliance. State residents will be wise to renew existing driver's licenses with REAL ID compliant ones prior to the October, 2020 TSA deadline."

In the Bay State, residents now will have the choice of selecting either a REAL ID compliant driver's license marked with a gold star in the upper right corner, or a non-compliant driver's license. The non-compliant driver's license carries the statement "NOT FOR FEDERAL ID" in the upper right corner, barring citizens from using their license or ID to board commercial airplanes or enter federal facilities after the upcoming deadline.

After October 1, 2020, air passengers presenting non-compliant driver's licenses or state issued IDs with REAL ID issuance requirements will need to present alternative identification proofs, such as a passports, passport cards or federal issued travel documents such as TSA-PRE or Global Entry cards.

Massachusetts residents who travel by air can renew their driver's licenses early, and by upgrading to the REAL ID compliant version they will avoid potential delays in future years. There is no penalty for doing so early, and no incentive to wait, so prudent citizens can avoid airport complications, and enjoy REAL ID benefits today.

Keeping IDentities Safe (KIDS), DBA The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License (CSDL) is a 501 (c) (3) non-partisan, not for profit, crime prevention, education charity, supported by donor contributions from across the United States. Our slogan, "Working to protect the identity of every American" embodies our commitment to higher standards for both government and private entities that issue identity credentials, especially state agencies that issue driver's licenses and ID cards. Keeping IDentities Safe undertakes research projects addressing best practices for RMVs, compliance with federal laws and regulations, identity fraud prevention and related identity management topics.

SOURCE Keeping IDentities Safe