Changes at the Registry of Motor Vehicles

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As of March 26, the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles now offers REAL ID, a Federal Security Standard initiated in 2005 that will take effect in 2020. After October 2020, you will need either a passport or REAL ID when you fly in the U.S. or enter certain federal buildings.

Also new this week, the Mass. RMV now requires documentation showing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence to get or renew any driver’s license, identification card, or learner’s permit.

Lawful presence means that a person is legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws.

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents have permanent lawful presence. Non-U.S. citizens who are studying, working, or living temporarily in the U.S. will need to provide valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that they have been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months.

See the mass.gov website for more information about REAL ID and the new documentation requirements.