If you’re traveling for the summer, you might want to make sure your information is REAL ID compliant. And if this is the first time you’re hearing about it, you shouldn’t waste a single moment cause the deadline is fast approaching.
EXPLAINER: Answering FAQs about REAL ID in Texas
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Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older who plans to fly domestically or visit a certain federal facility will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, like a passport.
On Tuesday, officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United Airlines, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport are expected to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to address any concerns residents might have about REAL ID.
Chances are, you might already have one and may not know it. According to the Department of Public Safety, Texas began issuing REAL ID-compliant cards on October 10, 2016, and cards marked with a gold circle with an inset star in the upper right-hand corner, as seen in the examples below.
All Texas driver’s licenses and identification cards, both compliant (star) and non-compliant (no star), are valid until the expiration date shown on the card. If you replaced or renewed your card after October 10, 2016, and have a gold star in the right-hand corner, your card is REAL ID compliant and no further action is required on your part. You may continue to use your compliant card for federal identification purposes until it expires.
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If your card does not have the star, you can continue to use it after May 7, 2025, but it will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving (driver’s license only), banking, and voting. It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes.
“If their driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base," TSA officials said in their news release. “The REAL ID driver’s license and identification card has a small star in the upper right corner to indicate that the license meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.”
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