Fort Bragg officials are encouraging residents who go on post to get a REAL ID before October.
A new law regarding the new form of identification is expected to go into effect on Oct. 1. The requirement will not apply to those with a military or federal ID.
The North Carolina REAL ID is a driver’s license that is just like a traditional license or ID but has a star at the top, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles website. The driver licenses and ID cards without a gold star are noted “Not for Federal Identification,” it said.
The state DMV website has information about how to get a REAL ID on its website at ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/default.aspx.
More information about REAL ID is available on the federal Department of Homeland Security website at dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions.
Mickey McQuain, the physical security officer for Fort Bragg, said the REAL ID will be required for air travel starting in October, but it’s unclear if it will go into effect for Fort Bragg then. Post officials are getting ready as if the new identification will be required then, he said.
“By 1 October 2020, it will be best to get it to get on a military installation,” he said.
McQuain said the law requiring REAL ID was passed in 2005. The change was recommended by the 9/11 Commission, he said.
In October, only 27% of people in the United States had a REAL ID, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“Once they make it mandatory, I think you’re going to see a backlog of folks at the DMV,” McQuain said.
McQuain said Fort Bragg officials will try to work with visitors who don’t have the proper identification.
“We do everything in our power to get those folks taken care of, especially if they’ve traveled a long way,” he said.
Those who don’t have a REAL ID might be allowed on post if they have a non-compliant state identification card and a vehicle registration with the same name as the ID card, McQuain said.
“They would be OK,” he said.
Anthony White, chief of the guards at Fort Bragg’s access control points, said the guards will be ready for the change. He said the process will be similar to what they’re currently doing.
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