Real ID deadline approaches; what you need to know

All U.S. citizens planning to fly domestically or enter secure federal buildings will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card starting May 7, 2025.

Texas has been issuing Real IDs since October 2016. The cards are marked with a gold circle and a star in the upper right-hand corner. If your Texas driver’s license or ID has the star, you are already compliant and no action is needed until your card expires.

For residents whose licenses or IDs do not have the star, the current cards will remain valid for purposes like driving, banking, and voting. However, they will no longer be accepted for federal purposes after the May 2025 deadline.

Residents without a Real ID after the May 7 deadline will need another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in a nationwide effort to strengthen identification standards following the Sept. 11 attacks. It requires states to verify key information such as identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and residency before issuing compliant licenses.

Burnet County residents who need to upgrade to a Real ID can do so by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office:

• In Marble Falls—1405A Mormon Mill Road, 830-693-0200
• In Llano—1447 Texas 71, Unit F, 512-424-2600

To minimize delays, the DPS recommends bringing documents that prove identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. An online document checklist is available on the DPS website to help residents prepare before visiting an office.

Existing Texas licenses will remain valid for driving and state identification purposes. However, the DPS encourages residents to renew early if they plan to travel by air or need access to federal facilities in the future.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Real ID webpage.

elizabeth@thepicayune.com