Understanding why you need a Real ID & how to get one

Have you got your Real ID yet? If not, the clock is ticking.

Marla Thompson, Director of the DMV, says so far just over 60,000 people have received their Real ID.

“The Real ID is a standard for the federal government on how states are to have secure cards, so we are creating a card that is Real ID compliant,” said Thompson.

Below is a video Channel 2 did with Thompson on answering some questions about the Real ID

Applying and getting a Real ID is easy. The process is similar to Alaska’s current driver’s license/ID card application process, but with added requirements. As for fees, here is a breakdown, found on the DMV’s website, of what you can expect to pay:

Regular card fees, plus a $20 REAL ID Fee. For example:

• Driver’s license fee ($20) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $40 for a REAL ID license
• Identification card fee ($15) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $35 for a REAL ID Identification card
• CDL fee ($100) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $120 for a REAL ID CDL
• Senior ID ($0) + REAL ID fee ($20) = $20 for a senior REAL ID *Remember, card validity is increasing to eight years

As for when you need your Real ID by, Thompson says the deadline to get your Real ID is Oct. 1, 2020.

Below is a video of what documents you need to successfully get your Real ID.

For a full list of helpful answers to questions you may have, click