The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in many states across the country have started adding a small gold star to driver’s licenses as a way to comply with the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005. This new addition has raised questions and concerns among drivers, leading many to wonder why there is now a star on their license and what it means for them.
The Real ID Act was passed as a way to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act was a response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and aimed to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents. One of the requirements of the Real ID Act is that driver’s licenses must include certain features, such as a gold star, to indicate that the holder has provided the required documentation to prove their identity.
In order to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, individuals must provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. This documentation is used to verify the individual’s identity and ensure that they are who they say they are. Once the necessary documentation has been provided and verified, the individual is issued a driver’s license with a gold star, indicating that it is a Real ID-compliant license.
The addition of the gold star to driver’s licenses has sparked some confusion and frustration among drivers who may not have been aware of the Real ID requirements. Some drivers have questioned why they were not informed about the new requirements sooner or why they were not given the option to opt out of obtaining a Real ID-compliant license.
In response to these concerns, the DMV has stated that they have been working to educate the public about the Real ID Act and the new requirements for driver’s licenses. They have also emphasized the importance of having a Real ID-compliant license in order to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities after the October 1, 2020 deadline.
While the addition of the gold star to driver’s licenses may be frustrating for some drivers, it is an important step towards enhancing the security of state-issued identification documents. By requiring individuals to provide additional documentation to verify their identity, the Real ID Act helps to prevent identity theft and fraud and ensures that only legitimate individuals are able to obtain driver’s licenses.
In conclusion, the addition of the gold star to driver’s licenses is a necessary step towards enhancing the security and reliability of state-issued identification documents. While it may be an inconvenience for some drivers, it is important to comply with the Real ID Act in order to ensure the safety and security of all individuals. So next time you see a gold star on your driver’s license, remember that it is a symbol of compliance with federal security standards and a small step towards a safer and more secure form of identification.
