You have less than a year left until October 1, 2021, when you will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board domestic flights.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” This Act established a minimum set of security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs and prohibits federal agencies from accepting a form of identification that does not meet the standards.
Without this security-heighted form of identification, you will be turned away from all airport security checkpoints and potentially miss your domestic flight.
How to apply for a REAL ID
Visit your state’s DOT website to learn more about specific requirements and documentation you may need. At a minimum, you will have to provide documentation showing your:
What the new ID looks like
You can find examples of the REAL ID by going to your state’s DOT website, as each ID may differ slightly from state to state. All IDs will have a star, black or gold, depending on your state’s design.
Sources: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs, https://www.tsa.gov/real-id
