REAL ID deadline one year away

One year might seem like a long time, but the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration, and Iowa Airports are encouraging anyone who plans on flying on a commercial airline or entering a federal building after Oct. 1, 2020, to consider obtaining a REAL ID sooner rather than later.

'A year from today [Oct. 1], all passengers flying out of airports around Iowa and the country, will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport or military ID, to board a plane,” said John Bright, TSA Iowa federal security director.

The list of acceptable forms of identification can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

'Passengers who are unable to verify their identity or do not present an acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through the security checkpoint,” continued Bright.

REAL ID-compliant cards in Iowa are marked with a star surrounded by a gold circle in the upper-righthand corner.

To get a REAL ID marked card, federal law requires a person to verify their identity by providing the same documentation that was needed when they got their first license or ID card. A person will need to visit any Iowa driver's license or ID issuance location and bring documents that prove their identity, Social Security number, Iowa residency, and proof of legal name changes if their name is different from the name on their identity document. To build a list of documents to bring, visit https://iowadot.gov/mvd/realid/success.aspx.

Once the REAL ID star has been added to a person's card, a REAL ID-compliant card will be issued whenever their license is renewed.

The Iowa D.O.T. has been issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards since January 2013. Since that time, anyone who has received an Iowa license for the first time should have been automatically given a REAL ID.

Still, only 36 percent of Iowans currently have a card with the REAL ID gold star in the top right corner.

A person can get a REAL ID at any time. If a card is up for renewal before Oct. 1, 2020, or there are no plans to fly commercially or enter a federal building before the renewal date, wait until it's time to renew and receive a REAL ID marked card at no additional cost. However, if a license or ID is not up for renewal and a REAL ID marked card is needed, bring the necessary documents in and receive the REAL ID marking on a card for the $10 cost of a replacement card. Replacement cards will be sent to the recipient's mailing address within seven to 21 days.

A person must obtain the REAL ID marking in person. It is not available the first time through online renewal or a kiosk.

'It's important to note that not everyone will need a REAL ID. If you don't plan to use your state-issued card to fly or enter a federal building, you don't need to worry about getting one. In addition, having a REAL ID does not change your ability to use your Iowa driver's license or ID for uses such as driving, renting a vehicle, writing a check, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, or entering a casino,” said Mark Lowe, Iowa D.O.T. director.