Do You Have a Gold Star on Your Texas Driver’s License or ID Card?

 Posted on September 19, 2019 in Uncategorized

If you do not have a gold star, you may not be able to use your Texas driver’s license or identification card at the airport! The Real ID Act begins October 1, 2020 and only state-issued driver licenses and identification cards that are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official federal government purposes such as boarding domestic flights.

The Texas Department of Public Safety website explains how the Real ID Act will impact Texas residents. Below are some of the questions and answer provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The link to the website is at the bottom of this page.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity, accuracy, and security of the driver license and identification card issuance process.

The REAL ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and the Tsunami Relief Act and was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005.

How did the REAL ID Act impact the Texas driver license and identification card issuance process?

The REAL ID Act established new minimum issuance standards, which include:

• Requiring proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address
• Verifying the authenticity of the documents presented for issuance
• Incorporating additional security features into the card, and
• Increasing security and privacy of personal information collected during the issuance process.

The Texas driver license and identification card issuance process are in compliance with these standards. These requirements are not based upon age, but for providing for the security of the driver license and identification card issuance process.

What do I need to do?

Because Texas is in compliance with the REAL ID Act, all Texas driver licenses and identification cards, are currently valid forms of identification for federal purposes.

If your card expires before October 1, 2022, and you don't have a star in the upper right-hand corner, renew your driver license or identification card before the October 1, 2020 deadline. You are eligible to renew up to two years in advance of your card's expiration date.

If your card expires after October 1, 2022, and you want a REAL ID compliant card, you can request a duplicate card either in person or through Texas.gov. If you have been issued a card on or after October 10, 2016 and see a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, you already have a REAL ID Act compliant card, and no further action is required on your part.

If you received your renewal notice in the mail, be sure to bring the required documents that are listed in your renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, are obtaining a replacement, or are not sure what to bring with you, download this checklist to determine which documents you may have that will meet these requirements. While these documents may already be on file with the Department, bringing them with you will minimize any delays in renewing or replacing your driver license or identification card.

To determine if you are eligible to renew online or need to obtain a replacement card, visit www.texas.gov.

Does the REAL ID Act create a national database of driver information?

No. Driver information is securely maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety and is not entered into a national database.

What happens if I do not currently have a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver license or identification card and do nothing until after October 1, 2020?

If your driver license is still valid, you may continue to use it for non-federal purposes, such as operating a motor vehicle, voting, or banking. You will not be able to use it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities, after October 1, 2020. If you attempt to present a non-compliant Texas driver license or identification card after October 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or other federal agency responsible for security will determine whether to permit you access/entrance or subject you to additional screening as prescribed by that agency.

Additional information regarding the REAL ID Act can be found on the DHS website.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/federalRealIdAct.htm