REAL ID  took effect Wednesday as a required document for federally regulated air travel and other federal facility access. The requirement is a part of the implementation of the REAL ID Act passed in 2005 by Congress in response to 9/11. The purpose of the act was to make the issuance of driver’s licenses and other identification cards more secure and to ensure that identification not meeting standards aren’t accepted by federal entities.

“I think it provides a more safe form of identification,” senior Lindsay Semiao, who has a REAL ID, said.

This new requirement will primarily affect air travel, where any boarding of a federally regulated aircraft will require passengers to provide REAL ID at TSA checkpoints. If you don’t have a REAL ID, your passport will be sufficient documentation for domestic travel.

“I’m hoping that it will make traveling — like flying — easier,” Semiao said.

However, travel is still possible if you don’t have a REAL ID or passport. You will most likely be moved to a separate checkpoint and undergo additional screening, extending your time moving through security checkpoints. Currently, minors will not be required to provide a REAL ID for domestic travel. 

But how do you know if your ID is REAL ID compliant? You will be able to see a clearly marked star in the top right corner. If this star is absent, the ID is not compliant with the new standards. Some states have a program allowing for “Enhanced Driver’s Licenses,” most without the star marking, to be acceptable for REAL ID purposes.

If you don’t have a REAL ID compliant card, go to your state’s driver license administering website to see what kind of documentation you must provide. At minimum, this will include your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two additional proofs of residence and lawful status.