You can tell if your driver's license is a REAL ID by looking for a specific star marking on the card:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID will have a star in the upper right corner of the card. This star can be gold or black, depending on the state, but it is always located at the top right
- If your license does not have this star, then it is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal buildings
Each state may have slightly different designs or additional symbols (e.g., California uses a golden bear and star, New Jersey prints "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" on non-compliant cards), but the star in the upper right corner is the key universal indicator
. If you do not have a REAL ID and want one, you must apply in person at your state's motor vehicle agency and provide documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and residency
. In summary, check the upper right corner of your driver's license for a star. If it is present, your license is a REAL ID. If not, it is not REAL ID- compliant
