THE Department of Public Safety-Bureau of Motor Vehicles is informing the community that it will conduct “comprehensive assessments” this week for the launching of the REAL ID system.
In an update on Monday, the BMV stated: “Our goal is to ensure a smooth systems upgrade and efficient transition, to be compliant by May 7, 2025.”
The BMV said that once the system upgrade is complete and fully functional, a public advisory will be issued to provide additional information and guidance. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time and will keep the community informed of any developments,” the BMV added.
It said a CNMI-issued driver’s license remains a valid form of identification for domestic travel within the Northern Marianas and Guam.
The DPS suspended REAL ID issuance in December 2022 due to compliance issues. Among other things, the REAL ID issued in the CNMI did not work.
Valid U.S. Identity Solutions was the initial DPS contractor for the issuance of the REAL ID driver’s license in 2017. In 2023, the contractor was bought by Veridos North America, which is the current DPS vendor.
The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, by May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
For more information, call the BMV at (670) 664-9069.
