REAL ID Deadline Approaching For Coloradans: What To Know

COLORADO — With just six months left until the federal enforcement of REAL ID begins for commercial domestic air travel, Colorado officials are reminding residents to prepare.

Starting in October 2021, drivers' licenses and state IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as identification by federal authorities.

Coloradans who have a gold or black star in the upper right corner of their ID are compliant. View sample images of compliant ID here.

Most Colorado driver licenses and identification cards have been REAL ID compliant since 2012; however, some identification cards don't have a gold or black star and will not be accepted.

Coloradans who want a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or photo ID card should get their documents together as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

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The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

The federal Department of Homeland Security postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19.

>> Learn more about how to get a REAL ID in Colorado here.