*UPDATE: Since we posted this, Homeland Security has announced that this deadline has been moved to May 3, 2023.*
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Are you aware of the REAL ID requirements for travel that will begin later this year? The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline to October 1, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on procuring a REAL ID.
The TSA says, “every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card.”
That’s right – a REAL ID is indicated with a star at the top of the driver’s license. However, this star can come in a few different forms, like a gold star, a black star, or a cutout of a star. You can see an example of these stars in the photo below; this image was taken from the Department of Homeland Security’s website. Please note the stars in the upper-right hand corner:
This image can be found at dhs.gov/real-id
A REAL ID is not the only form of identification that is acceptable for traveling in the United States. Here is a list of acceptable forms of identification from the TSA website:
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)*
- Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
*Some states issue what’s called an Enhanced Driver’s License, which will be accepted after the REAL ID enforcement begins.
Every state has its own standard of what is acceptable in regard to the REAL ID, so it would be wise to contact your state license issuing agency to confirm that your latest driver’s license meets the standards for the REAL ID.
You can look up information on how to obtain a REAL ID by state at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id, where you will be walked step-by-step through the process.