THE REAL ID

COUNTY – Shelby Countians heading to the driver’s license office to renew their driver’s license have the option of now selecting the REAL ID, a two-year old program that is hoped to provide more federal security and cut down on identity theft and fraudulent activity.
    Iowa began implementation of the REAL ID in 2013. In response to acts of terrorism committed against the United States, and in an effort to ensure the safety of citizens, Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005.  The REAL ID Act is implemented through federal regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
      It’s hoped to help states verify the identity of people applying for driver’s licenses.  And though Iowans are not required to switch their licenses of state IDs to the REAL ID version, at the federal level individuals may be required to show a REAL ID when boarding an airplane or when entering a federal building.