After years of delay, the federal government will begin enforcing the Real ID Act starting May 7. Non-Real ID-compliant forms of identification will no longer be accepted by federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. People with non-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards will have to get Real ID-compliant forms of identification to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs are usually marked by a star in their upper right corner.
Enacted in 2005, the Real ID Act sought to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards” as directed by the 9/11 Commission. Yet, for nearly 20 years, adoption hurdles have prevented it from being enforced across the country.
States have expressed opposition to it, citing the lack of federal funding to cover billion-dollar adoption costs, as well as privacy concerns. While most states were Real ID-compliant by 2020, a backlog of applications during the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the DHS to extend the Real ID deadline to May 7.
Texans need not worry much, as the Texas DPS has issued cards compliant with the Real ID Act since October 2016. According to the Texas DPS, 85% of Texans had Real ID-compliant forms of identification in 2020, and those who renew their driver’s license or ID will receive a Real ID-compliant version.
If looking to apply for a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID in Texas, visit a Texas DPS office. Some may be eligible to renew existing driver’s licenses or IDs online, foregoing in-person visits.
Per the Texas DPS, those interested in getting a Real ID should have these documents: an original or certified copy of a birth certificate; an unexpired U.S. passport book or card; a physical social security card; a current Texas vehicle registration or title for those with a vehicle; and a current automobile insurance policy, statement or card for those with a vehicle and legal documents showing proof of name change from one’s birth name for those who have had a name change.
