Deadline approaching requiring air passengers carry a REAL ID certified identification

SALT LAKE CITY – A big deadline is coming up that could prevent some travelers from flying. If you don't have an identification compliant with REAL ID, it may stop you from boarding a domestic flight.

To see if your driver's license or state-issued ID card is compliant, it will have a tiny gold star in the corner. Starting May 7, everyone has to have one, or else you'll run into real trouble getting on a flight in the U.S.

Fortunately, 95% of Utahns already do. Back in 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, as a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. The law set a higher security standard to get a state-issued driver's license to better prevent terrorists from using a fake ID to board a plane.

"When you use your driver's license that is REAL ID compliant, and it meets those standards, it'll be proof that you are who you say you are," said Matt Davis, TSA Federal Security director for Utah.

If you're one of the few who don't have one, TSA will also accept your passport, global entry card, or other IDs meeting the enhanced security standard. It's not just at the airport; you'll need the REAL ID to get into certain federal buildings and nuclear power plants.

Anyone with questions about obtaining or using a REAL ID can click here to visit the REAL ID website from the Department of Homeland Security.

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