You can tell if your driver's license is a REAL ID by looking for a specific marking on the card:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID will have a star symbol in the upper right corner or upper top portion of the card. This star indicates that the license meets federal REAL ID security standards and can be used for boarding commercial aircraft and entering federal facilities
- The star may appear as a gold star or a star within a gold circle, depending on the state issuing the license
If your license does not have this star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal identification purposes like air travel or access to federal buildings
. If you want to obtain a REAL ID, you typically need to apply or renew your license in person at your state’s DMV or licensing agency and provide documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and residency. The process and required documents vary by state
. In summary:
- Check the upper right corner of your driver’s license for a star symbol.
- If present, your license is a REAL ID.
- If absent, your license is not a REAL ID and cannot be used for certain federal purposes after May 7, 2025
This star is the official and easiest way to identify a REAL ID-compliant license.
