The Utah Department of Public Safety says that Utah residents have to face the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025.
That is when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that anyone who is flying on a plane needs to show a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Without it, you will need a valid U.S. passport just to fly within the U.S.
Here is what a sample Utah REAL ID driver's license looks like:
This shows that there is a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Actually, it is a gold circle with a white star in the middle of it.
So, you should "check for the star" as the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) site says. If your license has this in the upper right-hand corner, then you are OK. Utah has been issuing licenses with gold stars like this since Oct. 1, 2020.
To get a REAL ID, Utah residents need to make an appointment with the nearest DPS office in Utah. They should be prepared to bring a set of documents that will allow them to get the REAL ID license.
This REAL ID deadline is the result of the REAL ID Act of 2005. It was enacted after the 9/11 Commission’s recommended that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
How To Get a UTAH REAL ID License
To get the REAL ID license Utah residents should set an appointment with a local driver's license office.
There are three types of documents that the Utah resident must provide.
- Proof of identity, such as an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card, or unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form. No photocopies are accepted.
- Proof of a Social Security Number, such as an SSN card, W-2, or a paystub with full SSN. Original or certified copies are required. Again, no photocopies are accepted.
- Utah Residency documents (2), such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage, or medical document. Photocopies accepted.
Utah provides a full list of documents that are acceptable here on this site.
The bottom line is that if you are a Utah resident and you want to fly on planes without having to carry a passport, it is important to get a Utah REAL ID. Starting May 7, 2025, this requirement will go into effect. It also applies to entering secure federal buildings, including military bases and nuclear facilities.
****************************************
You can also download the Newsbreak app to become a Registered Follower. That way you can see all my prior articles. Click on the link underneath my profile name above.
Mark R. Hake, CFA, writes articles on national and local news, stocks, and market events at Kiplinger.com, Barchart.com, Medium.com, and Newsbreak.com as well as TalkMarkets.
Comments / 4