Fact check: What are the differences between a driver's license and a REAL ID for immigration purposes?

1. Summary of the results

The main difference between a driver's license and a REAL ID for immigration purposes is the level of security and the purposes for which they can be used. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card is required for accessing federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants ^[1]. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status ^[1]. Noncitizens with lawful status, such as those with DACA, TPS, asylum or refugee status, a valid visa, or lawful permanent residence, may be eligible for a REAL ID, but each state sets its own rules and requirements ^[2]. In contrast, undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID, but some states have driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants that are not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used to fly domestically or enter federal buildings ^[2]. Some states have enacted laws to allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, with varying requirements and documentation needed ^[3]. A REAL ID is marked with a star in the upper portion of the card and is required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities ^[4]. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for certain purposes ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key points that are missing from the original statement include:

• The specific documentation required to apply for a REAL ID, such as proof of lawful status and social security number ^[1].
• The fact that each state sets its own rules and requirements for noncitizens to obtain a REAL ID ^[2].
• The existence of driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants that are not REAL ID compliant ^[2].
• The varying requirements and documentation needed for unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in different states ^[3].
• The consequences of not having a REAL ID, such as the inability to board domestic flights or access federal facilities ^[5].
• The list of acceptable IDs for domestic travel, including REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses, U.S. passports, and DHS trusted traveler cards ^[6].

Alternative viewpoints include:

• The perspective of undocumented immigrants who may not be eligible for a REAL ID, but may be able to obtain a non-REAL ID compliant driver's license in certain states ^[2].
• The viewpoint of states that have enacted laws to allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, and the varying requirements and documentation needed for these licenses ^[3].
• The perspective of non-U.S. citizens, such as citizens of the Freely Associated States, who may be eligible for full-term REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading because it implies that a REAL ID is only necessary for immigration purposes, when in fact it is required for a broader range of purposes, including domestic air travel and access to federal facilities ^[4]. Additionally, the statement does not provide information on the specific documentation required to apply for a REAL ID, which may lead to confusion for individuals who are eligible to apply ^[1]. The statement also does not mention the existence of driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants that are not REAL ID compliant, which may be an important consideration for individuals who are not eligible for a REAL ID ^[2]. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other government agencies may benefit from the emphasis on the importance of obtaining a REAL ID for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities ^{[7] [6]}. On the other hand, undocumented immigrants and non-U.S. citizens may be negatively impacted by the requirements and restrictions associated with obtaining a REAL ID ^{[2] [3]}.