KDSN RADIO News
Iowa’s frequent fliers will soon need to have a star on their IDs
A month from today, some Iowans may find their driver’s license is no longer an acceptable form of ID if they’re planning to get on a commercial flight.
Starting on May 7th, travelers will be required to have what’s known as a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly, though AAA spokesman Brian Ortner says the majority of Iowans have likely already made the switch.
“It’s a level of security that allows people to get on a commercial airplane or enter a federal building,” Ortner says. “It looks just like your driver’s license right now, and a great way to check is look at your driver’s license. See if there’s a gold star in the top right corner of your card. If there is, you have a REAL ID.”
The ball started rolling on this process when the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. Several deadlines to require the stronger ID have been pushed back, but Ortner says that’s unlikely now. For some Iowans, he notes, a REAL ID may never be needed.
“It’s not necessarily required. I mean, if you’re not going to be flying anywhere on a domestic flight or entering a federal facility, you don’t need the REAL ID,” Ortner says. “If you just drive, you vote, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, you don’t need the REAL ID. It really comes down to that, if you’re going to be on a flight or in a federal building.”
The requirement also extends to anyone wanting to access federal facilities like military bases and nuclear facilities. If you don’t have the gold star on your license and want to get set up with a REAL ID, Ortner says you’ll need proof of identity, like a passport, proof of Social Security, and a way to verify where you live.
“Have some pieces of mail with you, like an electric bill or utility bill or a statement from a medical facility that has your address on it, just so you can have verification of your address,” Ortner says. “And you only have to go through the REAL ID process one time. So if you’re up for renewal of your driver’s license before May 7th, it’s the perfect time to do it if you’re not in place right now with the REAL ID.”
Learn all about what’s required to get a REAL ID and how it can be used at the Iowa DOT website.
