Latest news with #REALIDs
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
‘Zero tolerance for fraud': Miami tightens driver's license procedures
Miami is increasing the stringency of document checks presented by driver's license applicants as proof of their legal status. On social media, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez issued a stern warning to those seeking driver's licenses issued by the state of Florida that his office, where driver's license applications are currently processed, will not tolerate fraud related to documentation submitted by applicants. 'Using false documents to obtain a driver's license or state ID is a crime. In Florida, driving privileges are only granted to those who meet all legal requirements, including proof of legal presence and verified residency,' he wrote on his X account on Thursday. 'As Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I am committed to protecting the integrity of our services. No more shortcuts. Zero tolerance for fraud,' he added. Fernandez emphasized potential attempts to misuse or manipulate the system by submitting documents that do not meet verification standards, including fake bank statements or utility bills (water or electricity), to obtain a driver's license or REAL ID. He also stated that the document constituted a 'privilege' and not a right. He clarified that providing false documentation constituted a crime. 'The use of fraudulent documents not only violates the law, but also undermines the trust we strive to build in our community,' he said. 'As Miami-Dade County's tax collector, I am fully committed to protecting the integrity of our services. Our office is strengthening fraud protocols, implementing new technology, and training our staff to identify and prevent these illegal attempts,' he stated. Increased demand for driver's licenses Since early May, the REAL ID has become standard for domestic travel at U.S. airports, a requirement that Florida drivers' licenses and identification cards meet. These documents also serve as proof of regularized immigration status in the country, amidst the ongoing operations and raids by several federal agencies targeting illegal immigration. Last month, a new state regulation went into effect limiting the term of the validity of driver's licenses for certain legal immigrants. Meanwhile, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) centers have faced long lines and chaos in Miami amid increased demand for driver's licenses and REAL IDs. In response to the chaos, the Miami-Dade tax collector's office decided to incorporate such procedures for the benefit of taxpayers. Fernández has opened several new offices, while promising to expand services to other areas of the county where they are currently unavailable. To get a driver's license in Florida, you can present several identification documents, including: ▪ Permanent residence card or green card ▪ Proof of Social Security Number ▪ Bank or credit card statements ▪ Public service receipts, such as water, electricity, and gas, in the applicant's name.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
TSA makes clear if Costco card works as REAL ID
**Related Video Above: Real ID requirement went into effect last month (WJW) — The Transportation Security Administration is warning travelers that a Costco membership card is not the same as a REAL ID. 'We love hot dogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not,' the government agency said on Facebook last week. Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline? The agency did not clarify if people had been attempting to make it through airport security using their Costco cards or if the post was in response to other online messaging. Still, the reaction to the the post caused quite a flurry of enthusiasm from commenters. 'I'm pretty sure that the Costco card is stronger than some passports,' one person wrote. 'I was told my Blockbuster employee name tag from 2005 would work … is this true?' another wondered. Owner of raccoon found with meth pipes vows she won't surrender him The REAL ID deadline was May 7, when states started to require enhanced verification for domestic airline travel and entrance to some federal buildings. In Ohio, the REAL ID has a star on the upper right side of the card. Find out more about REAL IDs and how to acquire one in Ohio right here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. (Courtesy of Getty Images) Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams. Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release. 'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.' Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like: Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards. Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest. And suspicious web links that might look official. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards. 'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.' Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DMV begins Saturday hours in Kernersville
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will begin Saturday walk-in service hours this weekend in the Kernersville office at 810-A N. Main St. This year, the division is expanding from 16 to 20 the number of offices offering services from 8 a.m.-noon on 11 Saturdays from May 31-Aug. 23 (offices will be closed on June 28 and July 5). Kernersville is among the four new offices with Saturday hours, along with Elizabeth City, Clayton and Durham East. Saturday hours also are offered at the DMV office in Winston-Salem at 2001 Silas Creek Parkway. Walk-in services will be provided, no appointment necessary. Last summer, nearly 17,000 customers were served at 16 offices during the 12 Saturdays of the 2024 season. Services that will be offered during the Saturday hours include driver license or ID cards, renewals or duplicate orders, address changes, REAL ID issuances, and road tests for customers that have already completed the knowledge and written tests. Anyone considering a visit to the DMV should first check to determine if they can complete their business online. NCDMV offers many online services, including driver license and ID card renewals, ordering duplicate licenses and ID cards, address changes and voter registration applications. With TSA now checking for REAL IDs, DMV Commissioner Paul Tine is encouraging North Carolinians to be informed about requirements for air travel: Unless you have upcoming air travel or will be visiting a federal building, there is no need to rush to the DMV. DMV continues to issue REAL IDs. Passports, military IDs, and global entry cards are all acceptable substitutes for a REAL ID. To learn more about REAL ID requirements and guidance, visit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan Department of State: 200K REAL IDs issued in past few months
A Secretary of State branch office in East Lansing, Michigan | Susan J. Demas The push to get Michiganders' identification cards replaced with federally-compliant REAL ID cards has resulted in 200,000 IDs issued to residents over a period of three months, the Michigan Department of State announced Friday. Department employees either issued new or upgraded REAL IDs over the past 12 weeks, bringing the state into more than 76% compliance with a new U.S. requirement for REAL ID in order to travel domestically by air. A REAL ID is a driver's license or state identification card that has been verified with proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of legal residence in the U.S. They are distinguishable by the gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Per a change in federal law, Michigan residents as of May 7 are required to present a REAL ID-complaint card when attempting to fly anywhere in the U.S. The IDs also allow entrance to certain federal facilities as allowed by federal law. Overall, the IDs have protections against copying or altering identification information. REAL IDs are different from Michigan's enhanced IDs and driver's licenses, which allow entry to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea. Enhanced IDs, however, are also REAL ID compliant. A news release issued Friday said Secretary of State branch offices served more than 90% of those customers within 20 minutes of their scheduled appointment times, signaling that the transition has been relatively smooth thus far. 'The hardworking staff at our branch offices throughout the state rose to this challenge and set a new standard of exceptional public service,' Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for their dedication and commitment to excellence, which ensured a smooth process for Michiganders during a potentially disruptive transition. This is what it means to have a state government that truly works for people.' A total of 202,571 REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs were issued between February 23 and May 17. The week of May 4 was said to be the busiest this year, with 28,289 identification cards converted to REAL ID. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
