Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
As of October 1, 2020 Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities - including TSA airport security checkpoints - if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). All Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) and Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) are REAL ID compliant.
New applicants
New applicants that successfully complete the requirements for a Vermont DL or ID card will be issued a REAL ID marked card.
Current DL or ID Cardholders
Go to any Vermont DMV office and present the same documents a new applicant would present. This can be done when you renew your existing card, or you may surrender your current card and request a replacement that is REAL ID marked. Replacements require paying a replacement fee.
All applicants must provide proof of identity; date of birth; Social Security number; Vermont residence; and lawful status or presence in the United States.
TSA Information on REAL ID Enforcement and Requirements at Airport Security
- As of January 22, 2018, driver's licenses or state IDs issued by states that are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and have not been granted an extension by DHS may not be used to fly within the U.S.
- If your Vermont license has a gold circle with a star in it in the upper-righthand corner, it is Real ID compliant.
- Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.
TSA information on acceptable identification available here
TSA FAQs available here
DHS REAL ID brief page is available here
