REAL ID is a state-issued identification document that complies with “minimum security standards” established by Congress under the REAL ID Act, which was signed into law in 2005 in as part of ...

Real IDs are marked with a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner, to indicate it meets the federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act. Those stars vary from state to state. For ...

The roughly 20-year path to implementation stemming from the 2005 REAL ID Act has been bumpy, marked at times by resistance from states tasked with issuing the documentation.

When the REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005, it enacted a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the government set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs.

In Texas, people can apply for a Real ID-compliant card in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. Some may be eligible to renew their driver's license or ID online. Homeland Security ...

Nearly two decades after Congress passed the Real ID Act, the law is finally set to be enforced. Starting Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration will begin checking for Real ID ...

The implementation of the REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel has been a long time coming. Originally, U.S. states were required to comply with the REAL ID Act by May 2008, but multiple ...

In 2005, a few years after the tragedy of attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001, Congress passed a bill called the Real ID Act.

Real ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top and require applicants to provide documents that prove their identity, Social Security number and lawful status in the U.S.

For instance, California features a golden bear with a white star, while Michigan includes a star within the state's outline. These symbols indicate compliance with Real ID standards, allowing you ...

The REAL ID act was initially introduced back in 2005 after the attack on 9/11 to help increase security measures. As of May 1, 2025, there are almost 20 million Californians who have a REAL ID.

The REAL ID Act was supposed to begin rolling out in 2008, “but has faced repeated delays due to state implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial ...