Rhode Island begins offering REAL ID-compliant licenses

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island is offering residents the option to upgrade their driver’s license to meet federal requirements that will affect air travel.

The Division of Motor Vehicles says it’s offering licenses and IDs compliant with federal requirements beginning on Monday.

Current Rhode Island licenses aren’t compliant with the federal REAL ID program, which was enacted after the Sept. 11 attacks to strengthen rules for identification.

The federal law requires state driver’s licenses and ID cards to have security enhancements and to be issued to people who can prove they are legally in the United States.

Beginning in October 2020, noncompliant IDs won’t be sufficient for boarding a plane or entering secure federal facilities or military bases.