Sweeping immigration-related legislation was recently signed into law that will affect citizens, lawful permanent residents, lawful nonimmigrants and illegal aliens. The legislation, entitled the Real ID Act of 2005, will require proof of United States Citizenship or lawful immigrant or nonimmigrant status in order to obtain a state-issued license. This includes licenses to show as identification to board federally regulated commercial aircrafts.
The provisions become effective three (3) years after the date of enactment.
States do not have to abide by the terms of the Act but will have to use indicators on the licenses they issue that clearly state that the identification cannot be accepted by federal agencies.
United States Citizens, nationals, aliens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, conditional permanent residents, asylees and refugees may receive a license. Certain individuals, including those with a valid unexpired nonimmigrant visa or visa status, a pending application for permanent residence, a pending or approved application for temporary protected status, approved deferred action status or a pending application for permanent residence or conditional permanent residence, may only receive a temporary license.
The temporary license will be valid for the authorized period of stay. If a person does not have an expiration date on their authorized period of stay the temporary license validity shall not exceed one (1) year.
Yes. The use of foreign passports would still be acceptable as identification to to board federally regulated commercial airplanes.
