Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, adult travelers entering a U.S. airport must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or acceptable alternative, such as a passport or U.S. military ID. Colorado licenses have been REAL ID-compliant since 2012, indicated by a star in the top right corner of the card. While Colorado residents have reported issues with TSA scanners not recognizing their IDs, this does not prevent them from traveling, as TSA agents can verify identity through other means. Additionally, the TSA at Denver International Airport (DEN) accepts Colorado-issued digital driver's licenses and identification cards at the North Security Checkpoint for TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added them to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colorado REAL ID licenses and ID cards | Have a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the card |
| REAL ID-compliant license | Required for adult travelers over 18 years of age from May 7, 2025 |
| Colorado Temporary Permit | Not a REAL ID proof of identity document |
| REAL ID | Required to access secure federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities, and some federal offices |
| Colorado-issued digital driver licenses and ID cards | Accepted at Denver International Airport (DEN) North Security Checkpoint for TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their Google Wallet |
| Colorado ID | Can be added to Apple Wallet |
| Colorado REAL ID licenses | Not accepted in some states |
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What You'll Learn
Colorado REAL ID licenses
Colorado has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since 2012. These licenses and ID cards have a star located in the upper right corner of the card. Colorado credentials with a black banner, known as Standard credentials, are not REAL ID-compliant, do not have the star, and cannot be used for federal purposes like flying, voting, or receiving federal public benefits. These credentials cannot be upgraded to REAL ID-compliant.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card in Colorado, you must provide proof of identity, lawful status, Colorado residency, and your social security number. These documents must be the original or a certified copy and be on file with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Beginning May 7, 2025, adult travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or an acceptable alternative, or they will not be permitted through the security checkpoint. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, expired forms of identification may be accepted, and the TSA recommends checking their website for details.
Colorado is one of seven states that offer digital IDs for their residents. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Denver International Airport (DEN) is now accepting Colorado-issued digital driver's licenses and identification cards at the airport's North Security Checkpoint from TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.
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Colorado digital ID
The Colorado Digital ID is a secure, electronic version of a driver's license or state-issued identification card. It can be used as proof of identification, age, and address within the state. The Colorado Digital ID is currently only authorized for use within Colorado and is available for download on both Apple and Android mobile phones.
To obtain a Colorado Digital ID, a physical ID is required to create an account on the myColorado app. The digital ID can then be added to the app's wallet. It is important to note that the Colorado Digital ID is not compatible with other electronic wallets such as Apple, Google, or Samsung wallets. However, the state has expressed intentions to consider adding this functionality in the future.
The Colorado Digital ID is accepted at the North Security Checkpoint of the Denver International Airport (DEN) by TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their Google Wallet. It is one of 26 airports nationwide with CAT-2 units, which allow travelers with a state-issued digital ID to use the reader instead of presenting a physical photo ID for identity verification. Despite this, individuals are advised to continue carrying their physical driver's license or photo ID.
The Colorado Digital ID also offers the option to display an Affinity Icon on the back of the digital card. These icons are chosen from a selection of 16 options based on hobbies and interests. Adding an Affinity Icon is voluntary, and users have the option to remove or change it at any time. At the moment, Affinity Icons are only available on the Digital ID and not on physical identification cards.
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TSA requirements
The TSA has specific requirements for identification documents that passengers must present at the airport. These requirements are outlined in the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including the TSA, are prohibited from accepting licenses and identification cards that do not meet these standards.
Colorado has been issuing REAL IDs since 2012, and these licenses and ID cards have a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the card. Colorado residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential by providing proof of identity, lawful presence, and Colorado residency, along with their Social Security number, which will be verified through the Social Security Administration.
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all travelers over the age of 18 to present a REAL ID-compliant identification card, an enhanced ID, or a passport at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. This is in line with the 9/11 Commission's recommendations for heightened standards for identity verification and fraud prevention.
Colorado is also one of seven states that offer digital IDs for their residents. The TSA at Denver International Airport (DEN) accepts Colorado-issued digital driver's licenses and identification cards at the North Security Checkpoint from TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. This initiative improves the TSA officer's ability to authenticate a traveler's photo ID and flag inconsistencies associated with fraudulent and counterfeit travel documents.
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Scanning issues
Colorado residents have been facing issues with their IDs not being scanned at airports. While the TSA has acknowledged the issue and reportedly fixed it by updating its scanning technology, there are still sporadic complaints on social media. The issue could be due to a defective or poorly printed barcode on the back of Colorado driver's licenses. In such cases, travellers have been advised to carry their physical driver's license or photo ID as backup.
Colorado has been issuing REAL IDs, which are compliant with the REAL ID Act, since 2012. These IDs have a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the card. Since October 1, 2020, air travellers have needed a REAL ID driver's license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to board flights at all U.S. airports.
Starting May 7, 2025, adult travellers over 18 years of age must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or an acceptable alternative to be permitted through the security checkpoint. This requirement applies to both flying and accessing certain federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities, and some federal offices. Colorado licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant, such as those issued to undocumented residents and temporary lawful residents, are not accepted.
While the TSA has expanded its acceptance of Colorado digital IDs for identity verification at Denver International Airport (DEN), it is only available at the North Security Checkpoint for TSA PreCheck®-eligible travellers who have added their ID to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Therefore, it is important for travellers to always carry their physical driver's license or photo ID as well.
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Alternative identification
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers must either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The TSA strongly encourages passengers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling so that they do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and other state photo identity cards are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
In the event that a passenger arrives at the airport without valid identification, they may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask them to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name, current address, and other personal information to confirm their identity. If their identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. However, they will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
Some alternative forms of identification that may be accepted by the TSA include:
- Credit cards
- Checkbooks
- Membership cards (e.g., Costco card)
- State-issued digital IDs (for TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their mobile wallet)
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or another acceptable alternative, such as a passport or US military ID, at all US airports.
Colorado REAL ID licenses have a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the card. If your license is up to date, it should have this star. If not, you will need to renew it.
Yes, but only at the North Security Checkpoint at Denver International Airport (DEN) and only for TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers who have added it to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.
