You may have seen news stories or signs at the airport reminding you that starting October 1, 2020, every U.S. resident will need a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to access Federal facilities and board commercial aircraft.
Don’t panic — but do check the top right corner of your Colorado-issued driver license or identification card for a star — if it’s there you are REAL ID compliant.
Because Colorado began issuing compliant driver licenses and ID cards in 2012 you most likely already have one. If you don’t see a star don’t wait until the last minute to get a REAL ID.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established national standards for state issued driver licenses and identification cards. In accordance with the act, the DMV must verify an applicant’s full legal name, identity, date of birth, and lawful presence in the United States when issuing a Colorado driver license or state identification card.
The list of other acceptable identification includes a passport; a military ID; a border ID card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry; a permanent resident card; and other documents.