What is REAL ID, and do I have one?

With May 7, 2025 fast approaching, you may be wondering whether your ID document is a REAL ID, if the deadline will get pushed back again, and maybe even what is REAL ID?? 

Here are some common questions and the quick answers. 

• What is REAL ID?

  • It's a federal law requiring certain minimum security standards for issuing State ID documents.

  • This Vox article explains why the law has been controversial and why the 20-year-old law still hasn't been fully implemented.

• Is a "marked" Colorado driver license or ID a REAL ID document? 

  • No

  • Colorado issues credentials with a black banner to individuals who are temporarily lawfully present AND to people who are unlawfully present. These are not REAL ID compliant.

• Is a regular Colorado driver license or ID a REAL ID document?

  • Yes

  • U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, conditional permanent residents, asylees, and refugees receive a non-marked CO credential that is REAL ID compliant.

• Is a Colorado commercial driver license a REAL ID document?

  • Yes

  • Regardless of the driver's immigration status, CDLs are REAL ID compliant.

• Is a license or ID from another state a REAL ID?

  • Every state now offers REAL ID compliant credentials, but some also offer credentials that do not comply with REAL ID (like CO marked licenses). 

  • DHS offers an online resource to check if a specific document is REAL ID compliant.

• Is an EAD, U.S. passport, consular ID, or foreign passport a REAL ID document?

  • REAL ID doesn't apply here. It applies only to state-issued credentials. 

  • May 7, 2025 is (currently) the deadline for TSA to accept state-issued credentials that do not comply with REAL ID.

• What documents can you use to clear TSA?

  • Check out TSA's list.

• Does an ID have to be unexpired to clear TSA?

  • Surprisingly, no. "TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification."

• If I don't have an acceptable ID, does that mean I can't fly?

  • Not necessarily. TSA can ask travelers to complete an "identity verification" process. If successful, the traveler can fly but may be subject to additional screening. They recommend allowing at least 3 hours for this process.