Each state now REAL ID compliant, DHS reports

After more than 15 years since Congress passed the REAL ID Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated each state is now fully compliant in issuing the cards.

Presently 50 states have issued more than 105 million REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards – representing 38 percent of all driver’s licenses and identification cardholders.

The REAL ID Act gained congressional passage in 2005, officials said, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards while prohibiting federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet the standards after specific deadlines.

On Oct. 1, 2021, full enforcement of REAL ID will be initiated at all federally regulated airports, federal facilities, and nuclear power plants, with officials indicating DHS is continuing to urge residents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or passport card before the Oct. 1, 2021, enforcement deadline.

The ACT standards have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, per authorities, adding because of the potential for confusion about REAL ID Act enforcement milestones, residents can use the guidelines to be fully informed and prepared.

Authorities are urging residents to check their state-issued driver’s license or identification card for the star, adding REAL ID-compliant cards generally have a star marking in the upper left- or right-hand corner, noting most acceptable alternatives, such as state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, do not have the star, but are sufficient for official REAL ID Act compliance purposes.