Does military id count as real id?

Does Military ID Count as Real ID?

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, aiming to enhance national security by setting federal standards for state-issued identification cards. Since then, many individuals have questioned whether their military ID serves as a valid Real ID. In this article, we will delve into the details and provide a straightforward answer to this pressing query.

What is Real ID?

Before diving into the military ID discussion, it’s essential to understand what Real ID is. The Real ID Act was designed to ensure that identification cards issued by states are secure, reliable, and consistent with federal standards. Real ID-compliant cards are issued by states that have been certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These cards typically feature specific security features, such as:

• A unique identifier (UID)
• A digital image of the cardholder
• A hologram or other security features
• A microchip containing the cardholder’s information

Does Military ID Count as Real ID?

Now, let’s address the primary question: does military ID count as Real ID? The answer is yes and no.

Yes, military ID cards issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) are considered valid Real ID-compliant identification. The DoD has a special agreement with the DHS, allowing military ID cards to be accepted as a valid form of identification for federal purposes. This agreement was established in 2013, and it’s based on the DoD’s ability to maintain secure and reliable identification processes.

No, not all military ID cards are Real ID-compliant. The DoD has its own set of identification cards, which may not meet the federal Real ID standards. For instance, older military ID cards or those issued for specific purposes, such as a dependent’s ID, may not contain the necessary security features.

What Types of Military ID Cards are Real ID-Compliant?

To clarify, the following types of military ID cards are considered Real ID-compliant:

• Active Duty ID Cards: These cards are issued to active-duty military personnel and meet the federal Real ID standards.
• Retired Military ID Cards: Some retired military ID cards may be Real ID-compliant, depending on the date of issue and the state’s certification.
• Reserve and National Guard ID Cards: These cards are also considered Real ID-compliant, as long as they meet the federal standards.

What Types of Military ID Cards are Not Real ID-Compliant?

On the other hand, the following types of military ID cards are not Real ID-compliant:

• Dependent’s ID Cards: These cards are issued to dependents of military personnel and do not meet the federal Real ID standards.
• Retired Military ID Cards Issued Before 2013: Older retired military ID cards may not contain the necessary security features to meet the federal Real ID standards.
• Other Non-Active Duty ID Cards: ID cards issued for specific purposes, such as a contractor’s ID or a DoD civilian employee’s ID, may not be Real ID-compliant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, military ID cards issued by the DoD are considered valid Real ID-compliant identification for federal purposes, but not all military ID cards are created equal. It’s essential to understand the types of military ID cards that are Real ID-compliant and those that are not. If you’re a military personnel or a veteran, it’s crucial to check the validity of your ID card before using it for federal purposes.

Table: Real ID-Compliant Military ID Cards

Bullet Points: Key Takeaways

• Military ID cards issued by the DoD are considered valid Real ID-compliant identification for federal purposes.
• Not all military ID cards are Real ID-compliant; only specific types of cards meet the federal standards.
• Active duty, retired (issued after 2013), and reserve/National Guard ID cards are considered Real ID-compliant.
• Dependent’s ID cards, retired military ID cards issued before 2013, and other non-active duty ID cards are not Real ID-compliant.