Make sure you’re ready, Colorado! Starting May 7, 2025, federal requirements will require you to comply with the REAL ID Act. Having a REAL ID compliant driver license or ID card will be mandatory to board commercial aircraft or gain access to federal facilities. To be considered REAL ID compliant, you must have the required documents on file with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Image: Colorado Department of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles
What’s the REAL ID Act?
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act complies with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver licenses.
The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints.
For more information on REAL ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Is Colorado REAL ID compliant?
Colorado has been REAL ID compliant since 2012. That means that REAL ID eligible Coloradans currently have the required REAL IDs.
Coloradoans were either issued a REAL ID during their first issuance of a Colorado credential or when they renewed their existing Colorado credential between 2013 and 2025.
If you are a U.S. Citizen, Permanently Lawfully Present, Citizen of Freely Associated States or a CDL Holder, your Colorado credential is already REAL ID compliant. As a result, there is no additional action required.
How to Check if You’re REAL ID compliant in Colorado?
Check for the REAL ID compliant “star” on the front of your Colorado driver’s license or identification card. Colorado has been REAL ID compliant since 2013.
Look for a black star ★ (as of 2020) or a gold star ⭐(pre-2020) in the corner of your Colorado driver’s license or identification card. If you see a star, you’re all set and there’s nothing else required of you.
If you’re not REAL ID compliant in Colorado, check here for the required documents.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue