Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be accepted at US airports. This means that travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight. Texas has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since October 2016, and these are marked with a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Texans can use their current, unexpired Texas driver's license or ID for non-federal purposes, such as driving, banking, and voting. However, for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights, Texans must have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Texas driver's licenses be used at an airport? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. |
| What does a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license look like? | It has a cutout of a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. |
| What happens if my Texas driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant? | You will need another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight. |
| What other forms of ID are acceptable? | A valid passport, U.S. military ID, or DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). |
| Where can I get a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license? | You can apply for one in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or renew your existing Texas driver's license online. |
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What You'll Learn
- Texas driver licenses issued after October 10, 2016, are REAL ID-compliant
- A Texas driver's license without a gold star is only accepted for state-related purposes such as driving and voting
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to enter secure federal buildings
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to board domestic flights
- A passport or U.S. military ID can be used as an alternative form of ID
Texas driver licenses issued after October 10, 2016, are REAL ID-compliant
Texas driver's licenses issued after October 10, 2016, are REAL ID-compliant and can be used as a valid form of identification at airports. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of these cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards, aiming to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.
Texas driver's licenses that are REAL ID-compliant are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. These licenses can be used for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and other official federal purposes. It is important to note that starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be accepted for official federal government purposes, including boarding domestic flights.
If your Texas driver's license was issued before October 10, 2016, and does not have the gold star, it is not REAL ID-compliant. In this case, you will need an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a U.S. military ID, to travel by air within the United States starting from May 7, 2025. Additionally, non-compliant licenses will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving, banking, and voting after this date.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license, you can apply for a new one in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You may also be eligible to renew your existing license online and receive a compliant license upon renewal. It is recommended to check with your local DPS office or visit Texas.gov for more information on obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license.
In summary, Texas driver's licenses issued after October 10, 2016, with the gold star are REAL ID-compliant and can be used as valid identification at airports. For licenses issued before this date, alternative forms of ID may be required for air travel starting from May 7, 2025. Texans can apply for compliant licenses or renew their existing licenses to ensure they meet the REAL ID requirements.
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A Texas driver's license without a gold star is only accepted for state-related purposes such as driving and voting
As of May 7, 2025, a Texas driver's license is required to be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. A Texas driver's license is considered REAL ID-compliant if it has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your Texas driver's license does not have a gold star, it is considered non-compliant and will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes, including air travel.
A Texas driver's license without a gold star is only accepted for state-related purposes. This includes activities such as driving, banking, and voting. For example, you can use your non-compliant Texas driver's license to drive within the state of Texas, as it is still a valid form of identification for state-specific purposes. However, it is important to note that this type of license will not allow you to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal buildings.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act was implemented to strengthen the integrity and security of state-issued cards, reduce identity fraud, and enhance security in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Under this legislation, federal agencies are prohibited from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards for official purposes, including airport security checkpoints.
To use your Texas driver's license for air travel or other federal purposes, you must ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. If your license does not have a gold star, you can renew it or request a replacement card that will include the gold star, making it compliant with REAL ID standards. Alternatively, you can present another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, when passing through airport security checkpoints.
It is always recommended to check the latest requirements and guidelines provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before traveling to ensure you have the appropriate identification documents. This will help you avoid any issues or delays during your travel.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to enter secure federal buildings
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. This was in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the recommendation that the federal government set standards for identification documents. The Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of licenses and IDs. As a result, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards will be accepted for official federal government purposes, such as entering secure federal buildings.
Texas has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since October 2016. These IDs are marked with a cutout of a gold star in the upper right corner. Texans can use these IDs for federal identification purposes, including entering federal facilities and boarding domestic flights.
If you have a Texas driver's license or ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant (i.e., it does not have the gold star), you can continue to use it after May 7, 2025, but only for state-related purposes such as driving, banking, and voting. It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes, including entering secure federal buildings.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license or ID card, you can apply in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You may also be eligible to renew your existing license or ID card online. It is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on REAL ID compliance and the required documentation.
In summary, REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to enter secure federal buildings as part of the efforts to strengthen the integrity, accuracy, and security of identification documents and combat identity theft and terrorism. Texans can obtain or renew their REAL ID-compliant licenses through the appropriate channels to ensure they have the necessary identification for federal purposes.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to board domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be accepted at airports for domestic flights in the US. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The Act was a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aims to strengthen the integrity and security of state-issued IDs to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.
Texas has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since October 2016. These IDs are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you have a Texas driver's license or ID card issued after October 10, 2016, with a gold star, it is REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic flights until its expiration date. You can also use other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.
If your Texas driver's license or ID card does not have a gold star, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted for identification at airports for domestic flights after May 7, 2025. You will need to apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or renew your existing license or ID online to receive a REAL ID-compliant one. You can also use an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and travelers are strongly encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID. This includes checking if your ID complies with REAL ID requirements through your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
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A passport or U.S. military ID can be used as an alternative form of ID
As of May 7, 2025, a Texas driver's license can only be used at an airport if it is REAL ID-compliant. This means that it must have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. If your Texas driver's license does not have this star, you will need another acceptable form of ID to fly within the U.S.
The REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of these documents if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This includes verifying the authenticity of documents presented for issuance and incorporating additional security features into the cards. The Act also prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints.
If you are a Texas resident and your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you have a few options. You can either apply for a new REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or you can renew your existing Texas driver's license online if you are eligible. Alternatively, you can use a passport or U.S. military ID as an acceptable alternative form of identification when flying within the U.S. It is important to ensure that you have an acceptable form of ID before traveling to the airport, as those without acceptable ID may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. This strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or US military ID, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Texas has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards with a gold star in the upper right corner since October 10, 2016. If your card was replaced or renewed after this date and has a gold star, it is REAL ID-compliant.
