TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – As the May 7 REAL ID deadline approaches in three weeks, DPS offices are becoming heavily booked with appointments for driver license and ID renewals. But most Texans are already complaint with the new ID requirements thanks to early compliance from the state.
The REAL ID ACT was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It requires state driver licenses and ID cards to follow a nation-wide standard for issuing and production, and aims to reduce identity fraud.
Texas began issuing REAL ID cards on Oct. 10, 2016, and are marked with a gold circle with a white star on the top right of the card. Those without a REAL ID card won’t be able to get on domestic flights or access secure federal buildings, like military bases. However, the ID is still valid for state purposes, like driving, voting, and banking.
REAL ID cards have been issued in Texas for the past eight and a half years. With renewals for Texas driver licenses being every eight years and renewals for Texas ID’s being every six years, almost every Texan should have an updated card…