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- REAL ID enforcement starts May 7, requiring it for flights and federal access.
- Over 95.5% of Utahns have already transitioned to REAL ID standards.
- Utah's early adoption ensures minimal impact; residents should verify compliance with gold star.
SALT LAKE CITY — After years of delays, the federal "REAL ID" deadline is almost here.
But chances are you won't have to worry about it here in Utah.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to begin enforcing stricter ID requirements beginning on May 7, meaning that people must have it to board domestic flights or enter many federal facilities. However, the Utah Department of Public Safety reports that over 95.5% of Utahns have already switched to the new federal standard after years of implementation delays.
"Utahns can breathe easy, thanks to the state's early adoption of REAL ID standards," the agency wrote in an update on Tuesday.
State officials urge all Utahns to check their driver's license or identification card to ensure they have a gold star on the upper right-hand corner. Those without one are encouraged to visit their nearest Utah Driver License Division office with documentation proving their identity, Social Security number and Utah residency to have their license or identification card upgraded to REAL ID.
The May deadline is about 20 years in the making. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, raising the "minimum security standards" for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards following recommendations outlined by the 9/11 Commission.
The changes were intended to go into effect as early as 2008, but the deadline was extended several times as states enacted changes. The latest delays happened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as the deadline was extended from 2020 to 2021, then 2021 to 2023, and then 2023 to 2025. Federal leaders contemplated another delay to 2027, but that hasn't come to fruition.
State leaders once opted out of REAL ID in 2010 but eventually became compliant well before the 2025 deadline. Gold stars verifying compliance began appearing on licenses and cards after the Utah Legislature passed a bill during a 2018 special session. Many Utahns have since ended up complying with the new federal standard by renewing their licenses.
