The REAL ID card is a result of the REAL ID Act, which focuses on the security and authentication of any state driver’s licenses and ID cards. This act was put into place in 2005 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as a way to help keep U.S. citizens and their identities more secure.

Starting May 3rd, 2023, the REAL ID will be a necessity for anyone who uses their driver’s license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings or military bases. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you will not be allowed to fly or enter federal buildings*.*All agencies are different, and some may accept a U.S. passport, military ID, or another form of federally approved identification.

The easiest way to tell if your driver’s license or state ID card is REAL ID-compliant is to look for a yellow star symbol in the upper right-hand corner. If you do not have a star, then your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, and it will say “Not for Federal Identification Purposes” where the star should be.

Yes! If you do not have a REAL ID, you can still use your non-compliant driver’s license or ID card to board flights and enter federal buildings until September 30, 2021. On May 3rd, 2023, you will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant identification card, otherwise, you will need to provide an agency-approved alternative form of identification, such as a passport.