Front of the Westfield Senior Center
WESTFIELD – A public informational session about the new Massachusetts driver’s license renewal requirements and the federal REAL ID card will be held on Wed., Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Westfield Senior Center, 45 Noble St..
Michele Elicks from the Registry of Motor Vehicle will be on hand to explain the difference between the standard ID and REAL ID driver’s license and identification cards, and which documents are needed to apply for them.
REAL ID is a Federal Security Standard for IDs that was created in 2005 as a result of increased federal security measures after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Massachusetts started issuing REAL ID’s in March of this year. After October 1, 2020, a REAL ID or a passport will be needed to fly within the United States or to enter federal buildings.
For a learner’s permit, standard driver’s license or Mass ID; proof of citizenship or lawful presence, a Social Security number, and Massachusetts residency are now required. To get a REAL ID, additional documentation is needed, and requires an in-person visit at the RMV or at a AAA branch for members.
A REAL ID costs the same as a standard driver’s license ($50). Licenses that expire after October, 2020 may be converted to REAL ID’s for a cost of $25 through an in-person visit with necessary documentation.
More information on required documentation is available at mass.gov/id.
At Wednesday’s meeting at the Senior Center, Elicks will explain in detail the Massachusetts license renewal process and the new REAL ID card. Topics to be covered include the difference between Standard ID and REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards; how to renew a Mass. driver’s license or Mass. ID Card; and the new federal and state requirements for renewing a driver’s license or ID card.
No advance sign-ups are necessary for this important session and members of the public are invited to attend, said COA Director Tina Gorman
