What is REAL ID?
| Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are: – Accessing certain federal facilities including Berkeley Lab – Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft – Entering nuclear power plants |
When does the enforcement of REAL ID begin?
| May 7, 2025. This only applies to those 18 and older. |
What if I already have a Lab badge?
| If you currently have a valid Lab badge, you do NOTHING. You are already good to go and do not have to present a REAL ID. |
How do I know if my driver’s license is a REAL ID?
You can check the markings on the driver’s license. It should have one of the following markings:  California-issued REAL IDs will have the bear and star in the upper right corner. |
How about Users and Affiliates? Do they need a REAL ID?
| If they currently have a valid Lab badge, they do NOTHING. If they are new to the Lab and require a badge, then yes. But just as with anyone else needing a badge who does not have a REAL ID (or other form of acceptable ID), they will be issued a temporary badge good for 30-days to allow them site access while working to obtain a REAL ID. |
What are the other acceptable forms of ID that I can use if I do not have a REAL ID?
| Please see the list of other acceptable IDs in our Site Access and Security Policy. |
Do food delivery drivers and ride share drivers need to show REAL ID driver’s licenses when they come to the Lab?
| Ride share and delivery drivers continue to need to show a valid driver’s license to enter the Lab. Please see our Site Access and Security Policy for details. |
How will this impact new employees?
| The processing of new employees will not change. However, they will be required to present a REAL ID, passport, or other valid ID when obtaining their badge. Please see the list of other acceptable IDs in our Site Access and Security Policy. |
Is this requirement also for subcontractors and construction workers?
| Yes, anyone coming to the site who uses a state issued ID (ie. drivers licence) is required to have a real ID on the May 7, 2025 start date. As with visitors, individuals without an acceptable form of ID will be informed about the requirement. Please see the compliance and enforcement section of our Site Access and Security Policy for details. |
Do people staying at the Guest House or coming to the Lab for a conference need to show a REAL ID?
| Conference attendees and Guest House guests are handled through the Lab’s regular visitor access process. That process has several options including using a REAL ID or valid passport. Please see our Site Access and Security Policy for details on other forms of acceptable ID. |
Will shuttle riders need to do anything different?
| No. Those with Lab badges will continue to badge in as they board the shuttle. Visitors using the shuttle to reach the Lab will be cleared through the Lab’s normal visitor access program. Please see our Site Access and Security Policy for details on forms of acceptable ID. |
Does this requirement apply only to the Lab’s hill site?
| Yes, it only applies to those visitors accessing the main hill site or anyone required to obtain an LBNL badge. |
If I don’t have a REAL ID, how can I get one in California?
| The California Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV, issues REAL IDs. You can start the application process online by uploading the requested documents and obtaining a case number. You can make an appointment or go to a DMV office about 45 minutes before it opens. This is your best option to be seen on first-come, first served basis. |
My driver’s license doesn’t expire for some time. Can I upgrade to a REAL ID?
| Yes. It is easy to do. Watch this video to see the necessary steps. |
Will I need a REAL ID to enter other federal facilities or fly within the United States?
| Yes. Please see the REAL ID website for details. |
Does the requirement to have a REAL ID apply to minors?
| No. However, any adult companion will need acceptable identification. |
RESOURCES
Department of Homeland Security Website REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
