Iowa (RI) — A month from today (Monday), some Iowans may find their driver’s license is no longer an acceptable form of ID if they’re planning to get on a commercial flight.
Starting on May 7th, travelers will be required to have what’s known as a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly, though AAA spokesman Brian Ortner says the majority of Iowans have likely already made the switch.
The ball started rolling on this process when the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. Several deadlines to require the stronger ID have been pushed back, but Ortner says that’s unlikely now. For some Iowans, he notes, a REAL ID may never be needed.
The requirement also extends to anyone wanting to access federal facilities like military bases and nuclear facilities. If you don’t have the gold star on your license and want to get set up with a REAL ID, Ortner says you’ll need proof of identity, like a passport, proof of Social Security, and a way to verify where you live.
Learn all about what’s required to get a REAL ID and how it can be used at the Iowa DOT website.
