Ohio’s REAL ID Driver’s License can be used as a Passport
Ohio has approved legislation that would change its driver’s licenses format to be REAL ID compliant. The REAL ID act is a result of 9/11 legislation and seeks to create a unified driver’s license format for all states in the US.
One of the major benefits of the REAL ID compliant driver’s license is the ability for it to serve as a passport when traveling to Canada or Mexico by land or sea. However, many concerns have arisen about REAL ID’s intrusion on states rights. Individuals would not be required to get a new ID as a result of this legislation.
Other states that have REAL ID compliant licenses include New York, Michigan, Vermont, Washington, and Minnesota. The new license costs about $50.