Real ID: what you need to know

REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline Extended Until May 2025

REAL ID deadline extended to 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025 every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Check for the star.

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.

It’s the law.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane. Learn more about REAL ID enforcement

What is Real ID? Effective May 7, 2025, a Real ID Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card, or a Passport will be required to board an airplane for domestic flights or enter a secure federal facility. Your current Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card will be accepted until October 1, 2020. Your Real ID Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card will be marked with a star in the top right corner to indicate it may be used for federal identification.

Sample driver license with gold star emblem

Make sure your address matches what the post office has on file. Addresses that do not match, will be sent back to DLD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Real ID Act?

A: Passed by Congress in 2005, the Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting, for official purposes, licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver’s license today than before the passage of the Act.

Q: Will all Utahns receive a Real ID?

A: Utah has been issuing Real ID compliant driver licenses and identification cards since January 1, 2010.

Starting October 1, 2020, a Real ID indicator (gold star) will be required on the front of the license or identification card to maintain compliance.

Individuals who have gone into a Driver License field office and qualified for a Utah license or identification card since January 2010 are eligible to receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator.
If your license or identification card expires before October 1, 2020 you will receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator through the standard renewal process. For more information, visit dld.utah.gov
If your license or identification card expires after October 1, 2020 you will receive a complimentary license or identification card with the Real ID indicator in the mail. This complimentary license or identification card will have the same expiration date as your current license or identification card.
- Please note, this does not apply to individuals who have a driving privilege card.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for a Utah license or identification card?

A: When you apply for an original Utah license or identification card it will be Real ID compliant. To apply for an original Utah license or identification card, you must visit a Driver License field office and provide:

Proof of identity, such as an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card or unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form. No photocopies will be accepted.
Proof of Social Security number, such as an SSN card, W-2 or paystub with full SSN. Original or certified copies are required. No photocopies will be accepted.
Utah residency document, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage or medical document. Photocopies accepted.
For a full list of acceptable documents: dld.utah.gov/required-documentation

**Driving Privilege Card is not Real ID compliant**

Q: If I apply for a Utah license or identification card, is my personal information being entered into a national database?

A: No. The information you give to the Driver License Division is held securely and not shared or entered into a national database.

Q: Do I need to get a replacement Utah license or identification card right away?

A: No. There is no need to rush into a Driver License field office before it is time for your renewal. Valid Utah license or identification cards will be accepted to board a domestic flight and to enter secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020.

If your license or identification card expires before October 1, 2020 you will receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator through the standard renewal process. For more information, visit dld.utah.gov/
If your license or identification card expires after October 1, 2020 you will receive a complimentary license or identification card with the Real ID indicator in the mail. This complimentary license or identification card will have the same expiration date as your current license or identification card.
Please note, this does not apply to individuals who have a driving privilege card.
If you have a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, military ID or other federally approved identification, you may continue to use this as your form of identification after October 1, 2020, for federal purposes.

Q: Will there be an additional cost?

A: There is no additional cost for the Real ID indicator. The standard license and identification card fees will apply.

For all Driver License fees you can visit our website dld.utah.gov/other-resources/fees

Q: I submitted an application before January 1, 2019. Will I receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator?

A: Yes. If your valid Utah license or identification card expires after October 1, 2020, you will receive a complimentary license or identification card with the Real ID indicator in the mail. This complimentary license or identification card will have the same expiration date as your current license or identification card.

If your license or identification card expires before October 1, 2020 you will receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator through the standard renewal process. dld.utah.gov/
Please make sure your address is updated with the Driver License Division and matches what the post office has on file. To update your address, visit: dldaddresschange.utah.gov

Q: I submitted an application after January 1, 2019. When will I receive a license or identification card with the Real ID indicator?

A: You will receive the license or identification card in 8 – 10 weeks.

Q: My license expires before October 1, 2020. What should I do?

A: You will receive the license or identification card with the Real ID indicator upon renewal. For renewal information visit our website at dld.utah.gov/

Q: My license expires after October 1, 2020. What should I do?

A: You will receive a complimentary license or identification card with the Real ID indicator in the mail. This complimentary license or identification card will have the same expiration date as your current license or identification card.

Please make sure your address is updated with the Driver License Division and matches what the post office has on file. To update your address, visit our website at dldaddresschange.utah.gov
Make sure you know your options. Valid Utah license or identification cards will be accepted to board a domestic flight and to enter secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020. Additionally, if you have a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, military ID or other federally approved identification, you may use this as your form of identification for federal purposes.

Q: Will a minor need a Real ID card to board a domestic flight?

A: TSA does not require children (under 18) to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification. For a current list, visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Q: What can I do to help ensure I receive my updated license or identification card in the mail?

A: Make sure that the Driver License Division has your current mailing address.

State mail cannot be forwarded. If your mailing address is incorrect you will not receive the license or identification card. This includes customers who have submitted a forward request with USPS.
To update your mailing address visit dldaddresschange.utah.gov and enter your correct USPS mailing address.

Q: Who can I call if I still have questions?

By Phone: 801.965.4437 or toll free at 888.353.4224 (during business hours)
By Chat: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (excluding holidays) www.dld.utah.gov click on LIVE CHAT.
By Email: dld.utah.gov/contact Your inquiries will be forwarded via email to the person who can best address your question or comments. In most cases you should receive a response within 1-3 business days.

Tags: driver license, gold star, real id

Utah Department of Public Safety

DPS