CT Real ID: What You Need To Do Now If Flying Next Year

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut residents have about a year to get their verified Real ID driver’s license before new federal air travel rules go into effect. Real ID driver’s licenses and state identification cards have a gold star in the top right corner to indicate they comply with federal rules.

A Real ID or other identification such as a passport will be required to board an airplane or enter certain federal buildings come Oct. 1, 2020.

The law was passed to stop terrorists from using fraudulent identification, said William Csontos, the Transportation Security Administration director for Connecticut.

“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” he said.

The DMV started offering the Real ID option in 2011.

“We knew it would take some time to implement REAL ID, so we were proactive and began in 2011,” said Connecticut DMV Commissioner Sibongile Magubane. “Now we are focusing on the 50 percent of our residents who are not yet verified by launching a statewide PSA campaign to help them understand what they need to do.”

Travelers will start to notice signs at airports across the country with reminders about the law going into effect.

“Information about REAL ID is now on display throughout the terminal reminding our passengers about the requirements and where to obtain further information,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “We are pleased to be partnering with the TSA and the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles on this important effort to ensure that our passengers have proper identification and a smooth journey through Bradley International Airport.”

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to get a Real ID license. Several different types of identifying documents are accepted, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. In most cases people use either their U.S. passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card and two pieces of mail from two different sources that are dated within the past 90 days to prove residency.

Residents who already have a gold star on their license don’t need to bring additional proof of identity if there have been no changes.

Residents who aren’t due for a renewal can convert a license for a $30 duplicate fee. Real ID is available at the DMV and partner offices like DMV Express.

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