Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island

1. What is the Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License status in Rhode Island?


The state of Rhode Island is currently in the process of implementing Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) requirements. Starting October 1, 2020, all Rhode Island residents must have a Real ID or EDL to board domestic flights, access federal facilities, and enter nuclear power plants. The state is currently issuing EDLs to applicants who meet the requirements.

2. Is Rhode Island compliant with the Real ID Act?


Yes, Rhode Island is compliant with the Real ID Act. The state began issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses in March 2019.

3. Does Rhode Island offer a Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License program?


Yes, Rhode Island has an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) program which provides an approved ID for travel by land and sea within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The EDL is compliant with the REAL ID Act, and can be used as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification when flying domestically.

4. Is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License required to obtain a driver’s license in Rhode Island?


No, a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License is not required to obtain a driver’s license in Rhode Island.

5. What documentation is required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


To obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island, an applicant must bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, etc.), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, pay stub with full SSN, etc.), and two proofs of Rhode Island residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, etc.) to a DMV office. The applicant must also present an original Social Security card or proof of ineligibility if they do not have one.

6. What are the fees associated with obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


To obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island, you must pay a fee of $60.50 for a new license, $50.50 for a license renewal, and $31.50 for a duplicate license.

7. How long is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License valid for in Rhode Island?


A Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island is valid for 5 years.

8. Are there any special restrictions for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


Yes, there are certain restrictions to obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island. To obtain either of these documents, applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents proving Rhode Island residency. Applicants must also present proof of any name changes from the proof of identity. Furthermore, any applicant under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the application form. Additionally, customers must be present in person with the required documentation at a DMV office within the state of Rhode Island in order to obtain either a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License.

9. Does Rhode Island accept Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states?


No, Rhode Island does not accept Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states. Rhode Island does accept non-Real ID driver’s licenses from other states.

10. Can a person with a temporary visa obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


No, a person with a temporary visa cannot obtain either a Real ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island. To obtain either of these, the applicant must present proof of identity and legal presence in the United States.

11. Can a person use their Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License as identification for domestic air travel in Rhode Island?


Yes, a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License can be used as identification for domestic air travel in Rhode Island.

12. Are there any special requirements for renewing a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


Yes. To renew a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License, applicants must provide two forms of proof of identity (one must be a photo ID), one form of proof of Social Security number, two proof of Rhode Island residency documents, and payment of the appropriate fee. Applicants who are not US Citizens must provide proof of legal presence in the United States.

13. How can I apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


You can apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island by visiting any Rhode Island DMV branch and bringing the necessary documentation. The documents you need depend on whether you are applying for a Real ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License and your citizenship status. The documents typically required include proof of identity, Social Security number, two documents showing your Rhode Island address, and proof of legal presence (foreign citizens only). You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the required fee.

14. Does Rhode Island have any additional requirements for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License?


Yes. In addition to the standard requirements, Rhode Island residents must provide proof of their Social Security Number or denial letter, proof of their lawful presence in the U.S., and two proofs of Rhode Island residency.

15. Can I use my Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from Rhode Island?


Yes, you can use your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from Rhode Island. All Rhode Island driver’s licenses and ID cards, both Real ID and non-Real ID, are acceptable proof of identity for domestic air travel. However, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) may be necessary for international travel.

16. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


No, there is no age limit for obtaining either a Real ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island.

17. Is a vision test required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


No, a vision test is not required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island.

18. Is there a waiting period to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


Yes. Rhode Island requires residents to wait 10 days before they can obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License.

19. What forms of payment are accepted when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island?


In Rhode Island, the accepted forms of payment for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License are credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Cash is not accepted.

20. Are there any special considerations when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island for military personnel and veterans?


Military personnel and veterans are not required to provide additional documentation when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Rhode Island, however, individuals who have experienced a name change, such as through marriage, may need to provide additional documentation to prove their identity. Additionally, those with Expired or Soon-to-Expire driver’s licenses may need to provide additional documentation.