May 7 marks the official deadline for REAL ID compliance to be required by various federal organizations and entities – including military installations – to gain access.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents, making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fake IDs.

A REAL ID can be easily identified by a gold or black star in the upper corner of your driver's license or state ID.

Persons not in possession of a state issued (including DC and United States territories and possessions) REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card are required to provide an approved alternate source identity document.

Examples of approved source identity documents, in the absence of a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card are an original or certified true copy of a birth certificate bearing a raised seal; a social security card, and a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia that is not REAL ID-compliant. All three documents must bear the same name, or a former name as documented on acceptable name change documentation such as a court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree.

More information and a checklist of required documents can be found at: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Don't wait - check your ID today and make sure you're ready.