What is a federal identification card?

A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card which is also federally recognized. You can use it to board domestic flights within the United States and to enter federal facilities such as military bases, federal courtshouses and other secure federal locations.

Many people also wonder how to get a federal identification card.

To apply to a REAL ID:

Schedule an appointment (recommended), to visit a DMV office after January 22, 2018, or make an appointment.
You must provide proof of identity such as a certified copy a U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Employment Authorization Document, Permanent Resident Card, or Foreign Passport with approved form I-94.

The next question is: What federal buildings will require real identification? A. A. To board a plane, or enter any facility where ID is required, the REAL ID will suffice.

You may then wonder, "What is a federal identification driver’s license?"

A real ID is an identification form that meets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards. To fly after October 1, 2020, travelers will need to present a valid ID or another TSA-approved identification form.

What's different about real ID?

Many other states have Real ID-compliant drivers' licenses. They look very similar to those that do not meet federal standards. In some cases, they are distinguished by a star at the top right corner of the license.

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