What does a star on the driver's license mean?

Many people wonder what does a star on a driver's license mean? Following the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, the United States Congress passed the Real ID Act. The purpose of this law is to include additional security measures that help prevent the falsification of identification documents. This makes it possible, among other things, to increase security in federal buildings and on domestic flights, which can be accessed by presenting an identity document or a driving license. In relation to this topic, many doubts continue to arise. So to clarify one, today we will explain What does a star on the driver's license mean?

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

📰 Contents
  1. What does a star on the driver's license mean?
  2. What are the security measures of Real IDs?
  3. How does REAL ID law affect you?
  4. What does the yellow star on the driving license mean?
  5. Can I travel with my license on the plane?
  6. When does the real ID take effect?
  7. What is the gold star on a Texas driver's license?
  8. Can REAL ID compliant jurisdictions continue to issue non-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards?
  9. What does the star on the Florida license mean?

What does a star on the driver's license mean?

You probably already know the identity documents that comply with the law of Real ID they have characteristics that differentiate them from previous documents. But what does a star on the driver's license mean? Also, The star on the driver's license is one of the security features that Real IDs have in the upper right corner.

But that's not all, besides the new star on the driver's license, a state-issued ID must include other elements to meet REAL ID standards:

  • Full legal name
  • Residence address
  • Date of birth
  • Kind
  • Driver's license or identification number
  • Front digital photography
  • Business

In addition to this information, ID cards must include a barcode and security features. So, if you've ever wondered what the gold star on US driver's licenses means? You now know that this figure indicates that the document meets the security requirements of the Real Identification Act.

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What are the security measures of Real IDs?

Identity documents and driving licenses are often forged for different purposes such as: buying alcohol and other restricted items as a minor, entering bars as a minor, committing identity theft crimes to commit scams, access restricted areas, etc.

Current government-issued identity documents, such as a driver's license or ID card, They have incorporated security features to prevent counterfeiting and other crimes. There are three levels of visual security on a secure card:

  • to open: features that are easily visible to the naked eye, such as a color photo of the cardholder or his signature.
  • Secret: features visible with the use of additional equipment, such as a black light to view the UV print.
  • Legal: microscopic features, making them harder to see without advanced equipment, and are often used to detect false identifications.

Among the security features that states can include in their identity documents, according to the REAL ID standard, are the following:

  • microtext
  • ghost images
  • holographic background images
  • Holographic imaging laminates
  • embedded technology
  • UV text or images
  • official stamps
  • thermochromic print
  • opacity print
  • embossed print

The more secure a card is, the more difficult it will be to manipulate or duplicate it. The new REAL ID rules are intended to increase the security level of all state-issued ID cards to make it more difficult to produce and use fake IDs.

American tourist driver's license

How does REAL ID law affect you?

Once reached May 3, 2023, If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to provide an alternative form of identification to access domestic flights and to enter federal buildings. The following link indicates the alternative documents that will be accepted.

What does the yellow star on the driving license mean?

Like you, many people want to know the meaning of the yellow star on their driver's license. Well, this figure in the upper right corner of the license indicates that the document (in this case the license) is a real ID, that is, it meets the requirements of this law.

Can I travel with my license on the plane?

The driver's license is a document that has traditionally been used as an identification mechanism in the United States. Therefore, it is used to embark on domestic commercial flights. Starting May 3, 2023, you will only be able to use a Real ID to travel by air to the United States. If you don't have it, you need to provide some other accepted identification mechanism.

When does the real ID take effect?

The date set for the definitive entry into force of the Real ID is May 3, 2023. Therefore, after that date, if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building with your license, you will only be able to do so with one that complies with Real ID regulations.

What is the gold star on a Texas driver's license?

The meaning of the yellow star on the driver's license in the state of Texas is the same as in the rest of the states. This figure indicates that the license meets the Real ID requirements, which means that it is a secure document.

The following foreigners are eligible for a REAL ID license or identity card:

  • Those legally admitted to permanent or temporary residence
  • Those with conditional permanent resident status
  • Those with an approved asylum application
  • Those who entered the United States as refugees

Types of driving licenses in the United States

Can REAL ID compliant jurisdictions continue to issue non-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards?

Yes. The REAL ID Act allows jurisdictions to issue identity cards and driver's licenses that do not meet the legal requirements. However, such licenses and identity cards must clearly indicate, on the face and in the machine-readable area, that the card is not acceptable for official purposes.

What does the star on the Florida license mean?

If you take a Florida driver's license and you see a star in the top right, this it means that the document meets the security requirements of the real ID. Therefore, this license serves as an identification mechanism for taking domestic flights and entering federal buildings, even after May 3, 2023.

If you want to discover other articles similar to What does a star on the driver's license mean?, 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.

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