If you intend to travel by air, ensure that you possess a REAL ID. The deadline for obtaining one is fast approaching as you must get it before May 7th. Without this identification, boarding an aircraft will not be possible after that date.
The Iowa Department of Transportation states that if you lack the gold star by the 7th, you won’t be able to travel commercially or access specific federal facilities. According to Kathleen Meredith-Eyers from the Iowa DOT, this identification is designed to be more secure.
“THE REAL ID is a federal legislation that requires participation from all states and basically sets up stricter identity confirmation procedures before issuing a state-issued identification card or driver’s license,” explained Eyers.
According to data provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation, a majority of Iowan residents are leading the way as 76% of all Iowa driver’s licenses and identification cards meet REAL ID standards. This figure surpasses the nationwide average, which stands at approximately 56%.
The statistics revealed that during the past five months, around 85-87% of Iowa residents who traveled within the country already had a REAL ID. This figure exceeds the nationwide average of 81%.
If you’re unsure whether yours does, Eyers states that the label will provide all necessary information.
“The key difference between a REAL ID-compliant license and one that isn’t is this: A REAL ID-licensed card displays a golden star in the upper-right corner, whereas a non-REAL ID compliant license typically has wording at the top stating ‘not for use under the REAL ID Act’ or might simply leave that area blank. Therefore, when checking your document, look specifically for that gold star located in the upper-right corner,” explained Eyers.
If you’re planning travel soon and haven’t had an opportunity to update your physical ID, you might consider using your digital ID to pass through TSA checkpoints instead. Your present driver’s license or state-issued ID remains valid past May 7th and continues to serve as acceptable identification for both driving and general purposes.
“If you possess an Iowa mobile ID — whether through our mobile ID app or via your Samsung or Apple Wallet — your REAL ID status will be displayed within your mobile ID and accepted at TSA checkpoints once you upgrade your standard driver’s license to a REAL ID,” Eyers explained.
With under a week remaining until the deadline, you might have to visit the DMV if travel plans are in your near future—be sure to carry identification as proof.
For example, you should have your birth certificate or passport ready along with your Social Security number. Additionally, bring two pieces of documentation that verify your residence such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or an envelope from the post office.
People who have changed their names may also be required to provide documents proving the name alteration, such as a marriage certificate, an adoption decree, or a divorce judgment.
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