Getting Your North Carolina Real ID
The N.C. REAL ID is a REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license that is just like a traditional license or ID but has a star at the top. These ID’s will be used for Federal Identification purposes and will have to have the star at the top to be considered federal identification. Federal agencies will enforce the REAL ID Act beginning Oct. 1, 2021, which requires a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings. The NC Real ID is not required, it is completely optional but might be helpful for anyone who frequently:
- Boards a commercial airplane
- Visits nuclear sites
- Visits military bases
- Visits federal courthouses, federal prisons or other federal facilities
The Real ID is not required to drive, a traditional driver’s license will still be valid. A traditional drivers license can still be used to board flights, but additional documents may be required to use along with the traditional driver’s license or ID. For more information, click here NC Real ID Information.
