What does a black star mean on your drivers license

REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. states and territories. It sets federal standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and other forms of identification.

Once fully implemented, the REAL ID Act will make it difficult or impossible for terrorists and other criminals to forge identity documents and gain unlawful access to federally-regulated commercial aircraft, nuclear power plants, and certain federal facilities.

Starting May 3, 2023, travellers must present a valid REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (or a TSA-approved alternate document) to board any commercial flight in the United States. On this page, you can find information about REAL ID per state.

What you need to know:

  • Compliant states meet all REAL ID criteria for documentation of identity, security features of cards, and control of facilities that store and issue licenses and ID cards.
  • All enhanced driver’s licenses and ID cards are REAL ID-compliant

The types of REAL ID symbols currently in circulation:

What does a black star mean on your drivers license

Star cutout in gold circle

Star cutout in black circle

Star cutout in gold grizzly bear

Gold outline of the state Maine

U.S. States

U.S. Territories

What does a black star mean on your drivers license

American Samoa

  • :REAL ID extension deadline has been extended. Federal agencies will accept current driver’s licenses and ID cards at federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until 10/10/2019.

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What does a black star mean on your drivers license

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What does a black star mean on your drivers license

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What does a black star mean on your drivers license

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What does a star mean on top of an ID?

Newfangled driver's licenses with stars are REAL ID compliant, meaning that they are more secure than what were previously issued.

What does Black Star on driver's license mean in NY?

A New York's REAL ID driver's licenses has a star in the upper right corner to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards. The enhanced driver's license has a U.S. flag on the bottom right of the license.

Can you fly in the US without a star on your license?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

What does Black Star on Maryland driver's license mean?

The Department of Homeland Security continually updates the lists of US states compliant with the Real ID Act, and whose driver's federal agencies will accept licenses as proof of identity. MD's driver's license is Real ID-compliant (Star on the upper right)