The full explanation
Federal agencies accept it for official purposes: entering federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial flights and entering nuclear power plants. Each state sets the process and the documents; most ask for proof of identity, Social Security number and state residency. Under federal rules, it is issued only to people who prove lawful status. States may also issue licenses that are not REAL IDs, marked as not acceptable for federal purposes.
An example
Before a flight, Elena checks her driver's license and sees that it has no star. Since she also has a passport, she takes it to the airport instead of upgrading her license.
You will see it in…
- Your driver's license or state ID, with or without a star
- Your state driver's license office's (DMV's) document list
- ID checks at airports and federal buildings
