Once a person turns 5 years old, their parents can arrange for their child to obtain their Arkansas ID. Yes, as you read it, this type of ID card is only for identification purposes. Unlike driver’s licenses that can only be obtained by people over the age of 21, the Arkansas ID is only used to prove a person’s identity.
Undoubtedly, this type of procedure is one of the first ones that a person gets; to carry out the other legal procedures, it is necessary to prove our identity, and consequently, the federal government has created this type of public document.
However, as of May 2023, if you live in Arkansas you will be required to have a Real ID for lots of others procedures. Keep reading and discover what this new type of ID card is and why you will need it.
Real ID VS. Standard ID
In 2005, Congress approved the REAL ID Act, the content of which is the recommendation that the 9/11 Commission made to the Federal Government on the norms for the issuance of identity documents. This law establishes new regulations for obtaining identity cards and driver’s licenses issued by each state.
Moreover, it establishes a prohibition for federal agencies to accept for official purposes those identity documents that do not comply with the provisions of The REAL ID Act. Even if you have an Arkansas ID (driver’s license or identification card), you will need to get your Real ID by May 3rd, 2023.
Regular documents
With that being said, let’s remember what driver’s licenses or identification cards are: both documents are used primarily to prove the identity of a person. When we go to the bank or we are going to carry out a legal procedure in any government entity, we need to show a document that shows who we are and, at that moment, we use these documents.
Obtaining them is usually simple for people who meet the age requirements, however, new regulations revolve around the process to obtain the new document called Real ID, which at first glance can be very similar to driving licenses and standard identification cards.
- It is practically the same driver’s license or the same identification card but with an additional symbol that indicates that the issuing state of that card has complied with the regulations required in the REAL ID Act of 2005. The distinctive feature of your Arkansas Real ID is a white star within a yellow circle.
The difference between your Real ID and your standard or enhanced ID is that to obtain your Arkansas Real ID you will have to provide more information and documentation than what you provide to obtain the standard.
These new regulations are designed to provide all citizens a higher level of protection against identity theft, document falsification, and international terrorism.
In this image, you can read other differences regarding the use of your Real ID and your standard or enhanced ID.
READ MORE: How to apply for unemployment benefits in Arkansas?
Requirements to get your Arkansas Real ID
Now that you know that you must submit additional documentation than you usually do with your driver’s license or identification card, here we will list the types of documents you need and some examples of each of them.
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One Proof of Legal Presence
This is to prove that you are legally based in the US; you may show your:
- US Birth Certificate.
- US Passport or Passport Card.
- Employment Authorization Card.
- If you aren’t from the US, you may show your immigration or naturalization documents such as Certification of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, or Resident Alien Card.
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One Proof of Identity
This is for the agents of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to verify your identity. These are the documents you may submit:
- Your current ID or Driver’s License.
- Tax Document received from IRS.
- Marriage License / Certificate.
- Arkansas Vehicle Title / Registration.
- Military ID or Military Dependent on a photo.
- Armed Forces Discharge Papers (DD214).
- School ID / Photo work.
- Court order (must have a seal).
- Pilot’s license.
- Sentencing Order / Prison Release Document.
- Concealed Handgun License.
- Parent Affidavit.
- Indian Treaty card / Bureau of Indian Affairs card (Tribal card isn’t accepted).
- Health Insurance Card (Medicare and Medicaid cards are accepted as well as the AR Kids’ cards up to age 19).
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Two Proofs of Residency
This is to prove that you effectively live in Arkansas. You need to provide two of any of these documents:
- Electric, water, telephone, gas, or internet bill (must be issued within the last 6 months).
- Title / Deed. Rental/ lease or mortgage agreement for Arkansas property (lease must include the landlord’s name and contact information).
- Valid Arkansas fishing /hunting license.
- Earning statement or paycheck stub or with your employer name and address (must be issued within the last 6 months).
- Certified School Transcript or record from the current year. It must include your name and address.
- Current Federal or Arkansas Tax Return.
- Valid Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License.
- Form 2019 or college enrollment documentation (certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor-J1 status with a current Arkansas address)
- Your 1 year dated current valid motor vehicle, homeowners, or renter’s insurance policy.
- Arkansas Personal Property Tax invoice or receipt.
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One proof of Social Security Number
This is to prove you are registered on the Social Security Administration. You may provide:
- Social Security Card. The name listed on the SS card has to be the same name that appears on the Identification Card or Driver’s License Card.
- Form 1099 with your name and your full Social Security number.
- Paystub with your name and your full Social Security number.
- W-2 form with your name and your full Social Security number.
Where can I get my Arkansas Real ID?
You can obtain your Arkansas Real ID or DL at any Revenue Office of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. On this page, you may verify the addresses and contact information of each revenue office in Arkansas.