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Gold Star Flying: Real ID Driver’s License Needed

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You Get a Gold Star, You Get a Gold Star, Everybody Gets a Gold Star

Real ID

An absent gold star won’t fly with the TSA.
Photo: Judit Klein

If your 2020 vision involves flying to an undisclosed location, TSA checkpoints are going to need to see some Real ID, which affects your driver’s license.

Back in 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act as federal law in response to 9/11. This legislation requires certain stipulations for ID cards — like driver’s licenses —to enter federal buildings. This includes a commercial airplane and nuclear power plants.

It goes into effect on October 1, 2020 for most of the U.S., demanding all citizens to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly.


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You can continue to use your current license until it expires or when October 1, 2020 rolls around — whichever happens first.

So what is a REAL ID?

Your new driver’s license will display a gold or black star in the top right-hand corner in most states. The card will utilize new technology to deter the possibility of forgery.

Real ID

Look for the gold star.

The states of Tennessee, Ohio, Utah, and Hawaii all have distributed unique compliant IDs. You will want to get confirmation from your state if don’t see stars.

If you see “Not for Federal Identification” or “Federal Limits Apply” on your ID, your driver’s license isn’t compliant.

Review and extensions

While most states have adopted the new law, a few others have an extension with one under review. Maine, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Oregon all run through October 10, while Pennsylvania and Kentucky get an extension to August 1. Rhode Island has an extension through May 1, while California is under review through May 24.

Real ID


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While your new ID will likely include a star, expect your new driver’s license to cost the same amount as your one currently on hand.

Source: News4sanantonio.com; Upgradedpoints.com