Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department A few weeks back, I provided a reminder on the “REAL ID” driver’s license program. This is the federal security program created in 2005, designed to standardized and secure identifications issued to people throughout the country. This enables people to use their license as an official identification for domestic air travel or to enter federal facilities. Under this program, Massachusetts ID’s will meet similar standards as other states and the date of implementation is May 3, 2023. To obtain this ID, people are required to produce proof of citizenship paperwork. During my recent visit to Joshua Place, I was asked a question on birth and marriage certificates for this process. I was also asked about the cost of converting your current license to a Real ID. In Massachusetts, the deadline to obtain a REAL ID was extended until May 3, 2023. This means after that date, only a REAL ID or a valid passport would be an acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. To obtain this, you are required to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, your Massachusetts residency information, and social security number. You are best to check the Registry Web Site for the official list and other information https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements. A passport or an original birth certificate (with raised seal) are a valid proof of citizenship. For those who are married and have legally changed your name, a marriage certificate is required. Many people may not have an original copy handy and will need to obtain one. Our newly re-elected Dudley Town Clerk provided me with some guidance on how to obtain some of these documents. Birth certificates in Massachusetts can be obtained in the city or town where you were born, or in the town where your parents lived at that time. For example, if your parents lived in Dudley, and you were born in Worcester, you can obtain your birth certificate in either Dudley or Worcester. Marriage certificates are a bit different. The one issued by a church are not considered official documents by the Registry. Marriage certificates are available in the city or town where you declared your marriage intentions. If you lived in Dudley and went to the local clerk (such Clerk Lambros, Finn, or Smith), you can obtain a certified copy there. |
The location of marriage does not apply. Check with the City or Town where you and your spouse declared your marriage intentions for this document.
The other question posed to me was if you recently obtained a standard drivers license and wished to upgrade to the REAL ID, will you be charged the full fee? According to Mass DOT, if you wish to upgrade your license, there is a $25 processing fee to do this. If you are within one year of the expiration date of your license (on your birthday if you check) you will be responsible for the full fee. The reason for this is, at that time, you are eligible to renew your license within one year of expiration. Therefore, you will simply receive your new license. Please review the proper documentation to bring with you to obtain the REAL ID to avoid multiple trips to the Registry and the frustration that accompanies it. For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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