Do I need an Ohio REAL ID? Here’s what to know before the deadline
The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is fast approaching. Starting Wednesday, May 7, any U.S. resident taking a domestic flight will be required to show either a passport or a REAL ID.
What is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID is a form of federal identification with strict standards that were established in 2005. It can be issued as a driver’s license, a driver’s permit or an identification card. The ID has a star in the upper right corner.
You need a REAL ID to:
- Fly
- Access some federal buildings
- Visit a military base
Are REAL ID’s mandatory?
Short answer, not really.
According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you can use a valid U.S. passport for every location that will require a REAL ID. But, if you do not travel outside of the U.S., a REAL ID is faster and cheaper to get. An Ohio REAL ID costs the same as a standard license, $48, and lasts for eight years. The ID’s take about 28 days to receive.
You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, make a bank transaction, visit a hospital, go to court or receive federal benefits.
What will you need to apply for a REAL ID?
To get a REAL ID, you will need the following:
- Your social security card or any official document with your social security number on it (like a W-2 tax form or pay stub)
- A certified copy of your birth certificate
- Two proofs of your Ohio residency (in other words, your utility bills, bank statements or voter registration card)
When and where can you obtain a REAL ID?
You can apply for a REAL ID at any Ohio driver license agency. Avoid a long wait by saving your place in line. Visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website to reserve your place in line. The website will also show you the current wait time at each location.
The Driver Service Bureau is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are the locations in Mahoning County:
- North Side: 667 Gypsy Lane, Northside Merchants, Youngstown, Ohio, 44505, 330-746-4621
- Boardman: 233 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, Ohio, 44512, 330-758-1988 (the location also has an express kiosk available)
- West Side: 2950 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, Ohio, 44509, 330-799-9747
- Eastwood Mall: 5555 Youngstown–Warren Road, Suite 536, Niles, Ohio, 44446, 330-652-2760 (the location has an express kiosk)
- Elm Road: 2027 Elm Road NE, Warren, Ohio, 44483, 330-372-5447
- Jamestown Plaza: 2750 Mahoning Ave. NW, Unit 9, Warren, Ohio, 44483, 330-898-3998
- Salem: 200 E 2ND St., STE B, SALEM, Ohio, 44460, 330-337-3320
- Lisbon: 7785 State Route 45, Unit A, Lisbon, Ohio, 44432, 330-424-5155
- Alliance: 513 East Main St., Alliance, Ohio, 44601, 330-821-4866
