SAN ANTONIO- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) are reminding Texas residents that starting Oct. 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board a flight at all U.S. airports.
Texas has been issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards since October 2016. To determine if a Texas driver license is REAL ID-compliant, look for the cutout of a star in the upper right-hand corner of the license.
“We want to remind passengers that they will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board a plane here at San Antonio and other airports around the country starting Oct. 1, 2020,” said Jess Presas, TSA SAT Federal Security Director. “We urge those who do not currently have a REAL ID to plan ahead to get one now, rather than waiting until the last minute.”
Signs are currently posted at SAT and airports around the country reminding the public of the October 1, 2020 deadline. In addition, TSA Transportation Security Officers are advising passengers who come to the checkpoint without a REAL ID about the deadline.
Travelers who do not have a REAL ID may use another form of acceptable documentation, such as a valid passport or military ID. For a complete list of acceptable IDs, go to https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. A REAL ID also will be required to gain access to secure federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities and some federal offices starting Oct. 1, 2020.
“Texans have multiple options to receive a REAL ID compliant card by the deadline. Options may include renewing their driver license or identification card up to two years early, or requesting a duplicate DL or ID. Customers should visit Texas.gov/goldstar to determine which option is best,” said Amanda Arriaga, Chief, Driver License Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
If your card expires after October 1, 2020, you have multiple options:
- Do you have a passport? If so, you may choose to use that as your REAL ID credential.
- Does your card expire between October 2020 and October 2022? You can renew up to two years ahead of your expiration date. Go to Texas.gov to see if you can renew online.
- If your card expires between October 2020 and October 2022, you can request a duplicate at Texas.gov. You will be provided a REAL ID compliant duplicate, which will remain valid until it’s time for you to renew.
If your card expires after October 1, 2022, you have multiple options:
- Do you have a passport? If so, you may choose to use that as your REAL ID credential.
- You can mail in a form to request a duplicate Driver License or ID card, or
- You can visit Texas.gov to request a duplicate Driver License or ID card.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act complies with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints. The regulations established the deadline of October 1, 2020, to ensure full enforcement of the REAL ID Act. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.
More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs