These driver’s licenses will no longer be valid in the United States: check if yours meets the new requirement

Your driver’s license may no longer be valid in the United States starting on May 7. This is due to the implementation of the Real ID Act, with which the government intends to establish new security standards for states to meet when issuing identification, including driver’s licenses.

The law had initially required the change to be made in 2021, but the implementation was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, some states began issuing Real IDs in 2017.

Starting in May, a passenger will need to provide a Real ID, unless they are using another form of identification, to board a flight. State-issued IDs that don’t meet these requirements will not be accepted by airport security to pass through to your departing gate.

How do I know if my driver’s license is a Real ID?

To find out if you have a valid driver’s license, just check if there is a star in the upper right corner. If so, your driver’s license is already a Real ID, so you won’t have to make any changes.

How to get a Real ID

Any individuals over 18 years of age who do not have a REAL ID and wish to board a flight in the U.S., must renew their documentation through the relevant state authority. For instance, in California that would be the Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information, go to the official Real ID website to identify the relevant authority.

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This article was originally written and published in Spanish by Daniela Barrera and edited by Maite Knorr Evans.