Beginning on May 7th, Americans wanting to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID that is a compliant form of identification.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Residents are required to show proof of their full legal name; date of birth; Social Security number; lawful status; and two proofs of address in order to obtain a REAL ID.

Iowa residents can check their cards as compliant by the presence of a gold star in the top right corner. Non-compliant licenses and cards obtained after Feb. 21, 2024 will be marked “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES.”

Residents are only required to go through the Real ID process once. In Iowa, residents who require ID or license renewal prior to the May 7th deadline can make their identification REAL ID compliant as part of the renewal process, while those that expire after May 7th can get one at the regular replacement cost of $10.

Washington County residents can update their drivers’ licenses by making an appointment with the County Treasurer’s Office. 

REAL ID is only necessary for domestic flights and specific federal facilities.