Texans Must Have a REAL ID Soon If You Want To Get On An Airplane, Do You Have It?

The deadline for Texans and people across America to get a REAL ID is approaching quickly after court battles, delays, and red tape. And for Texans, you may want to look at your driver's license to see if you are already clear.

If you don't check your ID, you might be risking your next vacation or business trip.

What is the REAL ID that Texans Must Have?

The REAL ID Act was actually passed in 2005 in response to the terror attacks in 2001. The REAL ID act allows the federal government to decide the standards for the sources needed to issue an ID. This was supposed to go into effect years ago but hit many roadblocks.

The REAL ID deadline is now May 7, 2025 and it doesn't seem to moving.

Many Texans May Already Have a REAL ID

Your Texas driver's license or ID card is REAL-ID compliant if it has a gold star in the top right corner. If you don't have the gold star, you will probably get one on your next renewal or when you request a card according to FOX26Houston.

What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID?

If you are planning on traveling via airplane on or after May 7, 2025, your driver's license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant or else you won't be able to travel domestically unless you show another acceptable alternative like a passport.

You can see other acceptable forms of ID from the TSA.

If you don't have a REAL ID, you can apply in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office.