Q: What is REAL ID?
A: Two decades ago, the 9/11 Commission issued recommendations to enhance ID verification systems following the horrific attacks in 2001 that killed thousands of Americans on U.S. soil. Its report underscored why Congress beefed up national standards, “For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.” The terrorists used multiple state-forms of identification to take flying lessons, board and hijack commercial aircraft used to fly into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Congress passed the REAL ID Act to protect Americans and prevent wrongdoers from exploiting weak identification systems. President George W. Bush signed the legislation into law on May 11, 2005, establishing minimum national standards for state-issued identification cards, including driver’s licenses. The law prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting state-issued identification cards that don’t satisfy REAL ID requirements. Iowa’s authenticated IDs will have a gold star in the upper right corner for verification. To access certain federal government facilities, nuclear power plants and board commercial flights in the United States, individuals will need to show REAL ID-compliant forms of identification. Applicants must provide certain identification documents to the state or territory issuing the driver’s license or ID card, including an identity document; Social Security document; residency documents; and, current driver’s license or ID. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for air travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification was postponed from Oct. 1, 2020 to May 7, 2025.
Q: What do Iowans need to know about REAL ID?
A: As we approach the end of the year, many people look forward to a fresh start in the New Year. Before tax season kicks into high gear, now is a good time to take care of other housekeeping items on your to-do list, especially if you have travel plans in 2025. International travelers ought to check the expiration of their passports. Find tips on passport renewals here. Next, check to make sure your driver’s license or state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. This December is the final holiday traveling season before the REAL ID deadline in 2025. If you plan to fly commercially after May 7, 2025, you need to make sure your state-issued ID or driver’s license is REAL ID compliant for screening at TSA security checkpoints, unless you show a valid passport. Keep in mind, the Iowa Department of Transportation advises it can take up to 30 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail. Iowans do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for federal benefits.
It’s advised to make an appointment in advance at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid long wait times. Iowans can book an appointment online. If your license expires on or after May 7, 2025, you can schedule to obtain a replacement license or ID that’s marked REAL ID compliant. Follow a checklist created by the Iowa Department of Transportation to help assemble necessary source documents to bring with you to the DMV, such as an unexpired U.S. passport, certified copy of a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization; pay stub or W-2 containing your name and Social Security Number; two documents listing current address, such as utility bill or bank statement; and, current license or ID.
In the long run, it could simplify travel plans to go ahead and get REAL ID compliant the next time you renew your driver’s license. It may seem like a hassle, but remember why the law was passed in the first place. REAL ID helps verify the identification of every person who boards a commercial aircraft to better protect the flying public. The federal law also enabled states to share data across state lines to thwart fraud from one jurisdiction to the next and prevent people from obtaining multiple licenses using different identities.
TSA will require REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses or other approved identification, such as a U.S. Passport or U.S. Military ID, to get through its security checkpoints, starting May 7, 2025.