Deadline to Get Star on Driver’s License Approaching: What You Need to Know
As the deadline to get a star on your driver’s license approaches, many drivers may be wondering what this means for them and how they can ensure they are in compliance with the new requirements. Starting October 1, 2020, all travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification in order to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is designed to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The star on the driver’s license indicates that the holder has provided the necessary documentation to prove their identity and legal status in the United States.
For many drivers, obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is a relatively simple process. All you need to do is visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with the required documentation, which typically includes proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
However, the process can be more complicated for some individuals, particularly those who have changed their name or have a complex immigration status. In some cases, additional documentation may be required to verify your identity and legal status, so it’s important to check with your state’s DMV office to see what you need to bring with you.
If you are unable to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license by the deadline, there are alternative forms of identification that you can use to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility. These include a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a permanent resident card, among others.
It’s worth noting that not all states are currently in compliance with the REAL ID Act, so if you live in a state that is not yet compliant, you may need to obtain a passport or another form of acceptable identification in order to travel domestically. However, most states are expected to be in compliance by the October 1 deadline, so this should not be a significant issue for most travelers.
In addition to the REAL ID requirement, the Department of Homeland Security is also implementing new security measures for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states that are not yet compliant with the REAL ID Act. These measures include additional verification processes and markings on the card to indicate that it is not compliant with the REAL ID Act.
Overall, the deadline to get a star on your driver’s license is fast approaching, so it’s important to start the process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license as soon as possible. By doing so, you can ensure that you have the necessary identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility after the October 1 deadline.
For more information on the REAL ID Act and how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website or contact your state’s DMV office. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your star on your driver’s license today!
