Suppose felons wish to board a domestic flight in the United States. In that case, they may be required to present a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport. Does your criminal record stop you from getting a Real ID, make the process harder, or have no effect on your ability to obtain this form of identification altogether?
Utah allows any released felon who produces the necessary documents to obtain a Real ID. You won’t need a Real ID to drive or to register to vote as a felon, but you will need it if you plan to fly throughout the country. Even if you get a Real ID, don’t use it to board a plane and fly to another state unless your parole officer has approved the trip. Parole violations may land recently released felons back in jail, so avoid this at all costs.
To get a free case review from Overson & Bugden’s Park City, UT criminal defense lawyers, call (801) 758-2287.
Can Convicted Felons in Utah Obtain Real IDs?
Generally speaking, any convicted felon in Utah who seeks a Real ID can get one with the mandatory documents. Having a criminal record does not indefinitely strip you of your rights to fly elsewhere in the United States, which is the main reason most people need to get a Real ID.
There’s no specific waiting period for convicted felons to get Real IDs after being released from prison. Felons may not get Real IDs while they are still in prison, however. Although released felons are eligible to obtain Real IDs, they may be unable to provide the necessary information and ultimately be denied a Real ID, not because of their criminal record, but due to a lack of documents.
Some felons struggle to secure permanent residences or jobs, and even locate the documents necessary to obtain Real IDs, like their Social Security cards. So, while felons are permitted to obtain Real IDs in Utah, gathering the necessary information to do so isn’t always easy.
How Can Felons Get Real IDs in Utah?
Felons can procure a Real ID by providing sufficient proof of their identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency. While a Real ID can be an entirely separate identification card, felons may also upgrade their driver’s license to meet federal security standards and double as a Real ID.
Like anyone else, a felon in Utah may get a Real ID by visiting a Utah Driver License Division office. Find the closest one to you, schedule an appointment online, and arrive with all the necessary documents.
Do Felons Need Real IDs in Utah?
You don’t need a Real ID to drive or to vote, but you do need it to fly anywhere within the United States and to access certain federal buildings. Flying is currently the primary reason why many people need to obtain a Real ID. However, the uses of these federal identification documents may expand over time.
If you don’t have a Real ID, you can still fly with a valid U.S. passport. Having a passport isn’t the norm for most people, let alone those recently released from prison, making obtaining a Real ID a top priority. It can take several weeks to get a Real ID after submitting the proper paperwork, so don’t wait until the last minute if you have an upcoming trip, regardless of your criminal record.
If you don’t plan to fly anywhere within the United States, you may not need to get a Real ID immediately.
Can Felons Use Real IDs in Utah?
While you are on parole after being released from prison in Utah, you may not be able to use a Real ID to travel elsewhere right away.
Generally speaking, felons on parole are prohibited from traveling outside the area, much less outside the state, without obtaining permission from their parole officers. While you may obtain a Real ID while on parole, you may not use it to violate your parole. Parole violations are serious and not worth the risk for any reason.
Felons released early on parole may be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentences for violating parole conditions, such as travel restrictions. While you’re on parole, don’t take a trip out of the state or country without telling your parole officer first.
Suppose your parole officer approves a flight to another state. In that case, you may use your Real ID without fear of repercussions in Utah.
Can I Get a Real ID with a Warrant Out for My Arrest?
Suppose there are any outstanding warrants for your arrest, and you attempt to obtain a Real ID in Utah. In that case, law enforcement may be notified, and you may be arrested at a Driver License Division office.
It’s always best to address any outstanding warrants head-on, which our Utah criminal defense lawyers can help with. If you already have a Real ID and try to use it to board a plane out of Utah with outstanding warrants, you might be arrested at the airport.
Can I Be Denied a Real ID if I Am a Felon?
You can’t be denied a Real ID just because you have a previous felony conviction in Utah. That said, failure to meet the eligibility criteria or provide the necessary documents may result in denial of the application. Still, your criminal history shouldn’t interfere with your application.
If you are on parole, getting a Real ID can be even more difficult. You may be denied if you are unable to provide proof of identification, lawful status, and Utah residency. However, you shouldn’t be denied a Real ID just because you are a felon, especially if you can satisfy all identification requirements.
Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Utah Today
To get a free case assessment from Overson & Bugden’s Salt Lake City, UT criminal defense lawyers, call (801) 758-2287 now.
