TEXAS — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is sending out letters 4 million Texans who don’t have identification that is compliant with the Real ID Act.
- Real ID Act passed in 2005
- Real ID complaint cards have a star in upper right-hand corner
- Starting October 1, 2020 TSA will only accept Real ID compliant identification
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission Report. The measure requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state identification cards and driver licenses.
Texas began issuing Real ID compliant cards on October 10, 2016. The cards are marked with a gold circle with an inset star located in the upper right-hand corner.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials said the new ID card adds another layer of security against fraudulent identification. At a press conference at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Thursday, TSA stressed the importance of getting an updated license.
Starting October 1, 2020, Texas identification cards that are not Real ID compliant won’t be acceptable to present to TSA in order to fly. If you don’t have a Real ID compliant card, you will need to present another acceptable form of identification.
“After October 1, 2020, if you and your family are heading out, you get through the line, get all the way up to the front and hand the officer your boarding pass and ID like you normally would, but then you find out then and there that you do not have a Real ID, we won’t be able to let you through the check point,” said TSA supervisor Michael Martinez. “Make sure between now and then that you go and take the time and update your ID.”
DPS wouldn’t disclose what other security measures the new ID cards have, aside from the star. They say that information is strictly for TSA and law enforcement to know. Officials did say that TSA has equipment that can identify a fraudulent card.