Free Real ID legal fair aims to offer help

Saturday event will feature bilingual attorneys and staff

Those needing a Real ID to comply with federal regulations will get an opportunity to receive one on Saturday.

The city of Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico School of Law, the 2nd Judicial District Court and the Volunteer Attorney Program will host a free Real ID legal fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Barelas Community Center, 801 Barelas SW.

Bilingual attorneys and staff will be available to help in both English and Spanish.

“Getting a new Real ID can be difficult and confusing,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “We’re trying to make it easier for Burqueños by hosting this free legal fair to help folks meet the new requirements and receive their Real ID as smoothly as possible.”

In October 2020, the federal government will require driver’s licenses or ID cards to be Real ID-compliant in order to use them as identification to board an aircraft or enter federal facilities where ID is required.

In 2016, New Mexico started issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards that comply with the federal Real ID Act of 2005, as well as non-compliant driving authorization cards.

Existing New Mexico driver’s licenses issued before Real ID and ID cards will continue to be accepted until expiration or Oct. 1, 2020, whichever is sooner.

The Real ID Legal Fair will answer questions, help with name changes and issue licenses. The event will offer free parking and will provide services on a first-come, first-served model.

Residents are asked to bring all related paperwork for an attorney to review.

The Motor Vehicles Division Mobile Unit and the state Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records will also be on site.

For information, visit cabq. gov/family, or call 311.