A REAL ID in Colorado is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the federal security standards established by the REAL ID Act of 2005. It is required for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities starting May 7, 2025
. Key points about Colorado REAL ID:
- It has a star symbol on the front (a black star for licenses issued after 2020, or a gold star for those before 2020) to indicate compliance
- To get a REAL ID, applicants must provide proof of identity, lawful presence in the U.S., Colorado residency, and Social Security number, all verified by the DMV
- Colorado has been REAL ID compliant since 2012 and has issued REAL IDs to all eligible residents (U.S. citizens, permanent lawful residents, citizens of Freely Associated States, and CDL applicants)
- Non-eligible individuals, such as undocumented residents or those temporarily lawfully present (e.g., international students), receive a standard Colorado ID that is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like flying
- After May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept non-REAL ID credentials for domestic flights; travelers must have a REAL ID or an alternative federally accepted ID like a passport
In summary, a Colorado REAL ID is a federally accepted, secure form of state identification required for domestic air travel and federal facility access starting in May 2025, marked by a star on the card and issued only to those who meet federal eligibility and documentation requirements
