Do travelers need a star to travel with the license?

In 2005, a royal identification law was enacted which gave rise to what we know today as Real ID, whose purpose is to improve the security of identity documents in the United States. But, What is it that travelers need a star to travel with a driving license? This is exactly what we will clarify in this article, keep reading.

📰 Contents
  1. What is real ID?
  2. Do travelers need a star to travel with a driving license?
  3. How to get the real ID?
  4. Travelers need a star to travel on the license: Frequently Asked Questions
    1. Does the REAL ID also serve as a driver's license?
    2. What is the difference between REAL ID and driver's license?
    3. What does the star on my license mean?
    4. What is the license with the star that will be used as a REAL ID passport?
    5. When will REAL ID take effect?
    6. Does REAL ID have an additional cost?
    7. What will happen when the REAL ID application starts?
    8. Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?
    9. Can I use my VERA ID card to travel by sea (cruise)?
    10. Do all states issue REAL ID compatible cards?
    11. Does REAL ID look different than a driver's license?
    12. If I can board a flight with my passport, why do I need a REAL ID?
    13. Do minors need a real identity document to fly within the country?
    14. What happens to travelers who show up without proper identification? Will the TSA Transportation Security Administration reject them?
    15. Do I need a REAL ID license to travel to the United States?
    16. What does the star on the Florida license mean?
    17. What type of license do I need in Florida to be REAL ID compliant?

What is real ID?

Real ID is a condition that indicates that an identification document meets federal security standards set forth in the Real ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. Real ID is not in itself an identity document. It can be a driver's license or an ID that meets certain federal safety requirements. You will need to board US domestic flights and access safe federal facilities.

The document should have a star at the top right. Indeed, it is mainly thanks to the star that we recognize the Real ID. This is why many are wondering if travelers need a star to travel with a driving license.

Types of driving licenses in the United States

Do travelers need a star to travel with a driving license?

Currently, the deadline for Real ID implementation is May 3, 2023. It is important that you know that if by this date you do not have a real ID and you need to board a domestic flight, you will still be able to do so, you will only need to present approved identity documents. These documents are:

  • Valid US passport
  • Permanent residence card
  • Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card
  • United States Department of Defense ID card
  • Work Authorization Card from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

How to get the real ID?

To apply for a real identity card, you must present an identity document that includes your date of birth and your full name (first, middle and last name). It is essential to log into the DMV website of the state you are in and confirm the steps and requirements there, as there may be differences between each of the states. get here a list with the web addresses of the DMVs in each state. Next, we indicate which identity documents are accepted:

  • Valid, unexpired US passport or passport card
  • Original or certified copy of the U.S. birth certificate (issued by a vital statistics office in a city, county or state). We do not accept "shortened" or "abstract" certificates.
  • US birth certificate abroad or consular record of birth abroad of a US citizen.
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid US visa and approved I-94 form
  • Certified copy of birth certificate from United States territory
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of US Citizenship
  • Permanent residence card valid and not expired
  • Unexpired Work Authorization Card (EAD) (I-766) or Valid / Expired EAD Card with Action Notice (I-797 C)
  • Valid / Expired Permanent Residence Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Notice of Approval (I-797)
  • Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551"
  • Documents That Reflect Eligibility For The TPS Benefit

American tourist driver's license

Travelers need a star to travel on the license: Frequently Asked Questions

The Real ID implementation process started in 2005 and is not finished yet, the deadline is in 2023, so every day more people are interested in updating their documents. Logically, many doubts continue to arise.

Does the REAL ID also serve as a driver's license?

No, not all Real IDs can serve as a driver's license. For example, your identity document (identity card) may be a real ID but it is not a driving license, so it does not authorize you to drive a vehicle.

What is the difference between REAL ID and driver's license?

The main difference is that the "Real ID" is a condition that indicates that a document (whether or not it is a driver's license) meets federal safety standards set out in the 2005 Identification Act. The REAL ID is not a document, the driving license is.

What does the star on my license mean?

The star at the top right of your license indicates that it meets REAL ID standards. Therefore, it is safer.

What is the license with the star that will be used as a REAL ID passport?

It is very important to know that Real ID documents cannot be used as passports, Real IDs can only be used to board domestic flights, i.e. those that take place within the United States.

When will REAL ID take effect?

REAL ID application or effective date is May 3, 2023.

Does REAL ID have an additional cost?

The rates for a REAL ID card are the same as currently charged for a driver's license or ID card.

What will happen when the REAL ID application starts?

Federal agencies, including DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the TSA (Transport Security Administration), will only accept as identification to enter federal facilities, including TSA airport security checks, driver's licenses, and state-issued ID cards in accordance with Real ID security standards.

EDLs (Enhanced Driver's Licenses), issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs and will also be accepted for official identification purposes. Although most EDLs do not contain the mark, they will still be accepted. For more information on EDLs click on this link.

Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for this purpose, they are only allowed for domestic flights, ie those taking place in the United States.

Driving license for without documents

Can I use my VERA ID card to travel by sea (cruise)?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international cruise travel.

Do all states issue REAL ID compatible cards?

DHS is working closely with all states and territories to provide assistance and guidance to achieve full implementation before the May 3, 2023 deadline. As of March 2021, most states and territories were fully REAL ID compliant. This means that all states are on track to begin issuing REAL ID licenses and identification documents before the May 3, 2023 deadline.

Does REAL ID look different than a driver's license?

No, the only difference is that the REAL ID compliant license has a gold star in the top right corner. A driver's license that does not meet the new federal identification standards will include the words: "Not for federal ID".

If I can board a flight with my passport, why do I need a REAL ID?

Basically for convenience. Most Americans are not used to carrying passports with them unless they plan to leave the country. Also, you should remember to wear it every time you walk into a federal facility.

Do minors need a real identity document to fly within the country?

No. TSA does not require minors under the age of 18 to present identification when traveling with a companion to the United States. The companion is the one who must carry acceptable identification.

What happens to travelers who show up without proper identification? Will the TSA Transportation Security Administration reject them?

Effective May 3, 2023, travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative will not be admitted to security checks.

Do I need a REAL ID license to travel to the United States?

No, if you are outside the United States you will only need to use your passport to enter the United States.

What does the star on the Florida license mean?

If your license has a star on the top right, means that it is a document that meets the federal security requirements set out in the Royal Identification Act of 2005.

What type of license do I need in Florida to be REAL ID compliant?

To comply with the Real ID you must obtain a new license that meets the parameters of the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in the state of Florida.

If you want to discover other articles similar to Do travelers need a star to travel with the license?, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

DISCLAIMER: By reading this, you agree to the following: you understand that this is an expression of opinions and not professional advice. You are solely responsible for the use of any content and hold harmless ©INFOCARSUSA.COM and all members and affiliates from any event or claim. The information provided on the site may contain errors, both grammatical and contextual and/or information, and we recommend that you conduct your own research through the means you deem appropriate to satisfy your search intention. If you purchase something through a link, you should assume that we have an affiliate relationship with the company providing the product or services you purchase, and we will be compensated in some way. We recommend that you conduct your own independent research before purchasing anything.

Most Read Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Go up

🍪 We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on our website. More Information