- Home
- REAL ID and Colorado
How do I tell if my license or ID card is REAL ID compliant?
Most Colorado driver licenses and identification cards have been REAL ID compliant since 2012. However, some credentials such as CO-RCSA driver licenses and identification cards, don't have a gold or black star and are not REAL ID compliant.
New enforcement date for REAL ID now May 3, 2023
- What do I do if my license/ID isn't REAL ID compliant?
If you do not have a CO-RCSA driver license or ID card, then you may want to renew or replace your credential. CO-RCSA driver licenses and IDs are for undocumented or temporarily legal immigrants and have a black banner which reads "NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION, VOTING, OR PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES."
- Do I have to get a REAL ID compliant credential?
No, but please note that all Colorado driver licenses and ID cards, except CO-RCSA credentials, have been REAL ID compliant since 2012. Having a REAL ID compliant credential will likely make traveling easier for you. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, your non-compliant credential cannot be used to board flights or enter certain federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities and some federal offices.
(Video) REAL ID: Fear, Federalism, and the U.S. National ID Program (Jim Harper)
- How do I fly commercially if I don't haveor don't qualify fora REAL ID compliant credential?
Travelers who do not have a REAL ID may use another form of acceptable documentation, such as a valid passport or military ID.
- REAL ID background information
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act complies with the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver licenses.The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints. The regulations established the deadline of October 1, 2020, to ensure full enforcement of the REAL ID Act. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. For more information on REAL ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security's website.
FAQs
Is REAL ID mandatory in Colorado? ›
Do I have to get a REAL ID compliant credential? No, but please note that all Colorado driver licenses and ID cards, except CO-RCSA credentials, have been REAL ID compliant since 2012. Having a REAL ID compliant credential will likely make traveling easier for you.
Why get a REAL ID if I have a passport? ›Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
What is SB 251 Colorado? ›The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act passed by the Colorado legislature in 2013 allows all Coloradans to obtain a non-REAL ID compliant driver license, regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet all requirements and provide proof of identity and Colorado residency.
Why do I need a gold star on my Colorado driver's license? ›The star at the top right corner of your Colorado-issued driver license or identification card indicates that you are REAL ID compliant.
Can you fly without REAL ID in USA? ›Starting May 7, 2025, every traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S. Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
What is the Colorado Real ID Act? ›In accordance with the REAL ID Act, the Colorado DMV must verify an applicant's full legal name, identity, date of birth, and lawful presence in the United States when issuing a Colorado driver license or state identification card.
Can I use a REAL ID to go to Canada? ›A REAL ID driver's license can be used to board a US domestic flight, but it cannot be used for border crossings.) Check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles to see if your driver's license qualifies as a border-crossing document under WHTI.
Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport card? ›The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.
Which states require REAL ID to fly? ›All states issue REAL ID-compliant IDs, but none require a REAL ID. You can still fly as long as you have a TSA-approved form of ID.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID in Colorado? ›New Colorado residents must provide TWO DOCUMENTS for proof of residency, a state/county-certified (or original) birth certificate OR valid passport, and proof of Social Security Number. Proof of residency documents must include the applicant's name and physical address.
Why does my driver's license say not for REAL ID purposes? ›
What does “Not for REAL ID Act Purposes” mean? "Not for REAL ID Act Purposes" means that a credential is not REAL ID compliant and you will not be able to use the credential to board a commercial domestic aircraft, enter a federal facility or visit a nuclear facility after May 7, 2025.
Does TSA accept Colorado digital ID? ›Things to Know. Continue to carry your physical driver license or state-issued ID card for interactions with law enforcement, state government agencies and businesses who aren't yet accepting Digital ID, as well as for use at airport TSA checkpoints. Colorado Digital ID is currently only authorized for in-state use.
What is required for REAL ID? ›Prepare For REAL ID
Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card in current legal name. Two proofs of current, physical PA address: Examples include current, unexpired PA license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address.