Concerns have emerged regarding the requirements for obtaining a Real ID in North Dakota, as residents face confusion over necessary documentation. Recently, a Grand Forks resident, Roland Riemers, encountered difficulties while attempting to upgrade his driver’s license to a Real ID, a requirement for domestic air travel and other federal purposes.
During his visit to the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division, Riemers presented all required documents, including his US passport. Despite this, he was informed that his Social Security card could not be scanned, resulting in an unproductive visit. Frustrated by the situation, Riemers conducted further research and contacted the Motor Vehicle Division for clarification.
The response he received revealed a significant change in the documentation process. According to North Dakota Motor Vehicle officials, the requirement for Social Security information is a federal mandate. However, Riemers discovered that this stipulation was removed with the passage of the Real ID Modernization Act in 2020. This act eliminated the necessity to provide Social Security information when applying for a Real ID, a fact that seems to have escaped the attention of the state’s Motor Vehicle Division.
Riemers emphasized that not only is Social Security information no longer federally required, but it is also not mandated under North Dakota law. This discrepancy highlights a potential gap in communication between federal regulations and state departments, leaving residents uncertain about the current requirements.
As more individuals seek to obtain Real IDs, it is essential for the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division to update their protocols and inform staff about the latest legislative changes. Ensuring clarity in the application process could prevent further inconvenience for residents, as was experienced by Riemers.
Residents are urged to verify the latest requirements before visiting their local DMV to avoid similar issues. With the increasing importance of Real IDs in domestic travel, clear communication and updated information are crucial to facilitating a smooth application process.