An ID from Utah currently lacks the gold star that would indicate it complies with the Real ID Act of 2005
TAYLORSVILLE — A Utah lawmaker is drafting a bill to allow the state to make new driver licenses, because an ID from Utah may not be enough to get you through airport security in the near future.
Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, says Utah driver licenses are missing that small gold star that would indicate the state complies with the 2005 Real ID Act, requiring states to follow Homeland Security vetting guidelines for identification.
“If your driver’s license does not meet the provision, you won’t be allowed to board a plane,” Harper says.
Utah officials thought they had until the year 2020 to add those stars, but the Department of Homeland Security says the state is currently under review to be recertified. Harper is signing onto a measure that would push the state forward.
“We’re just saying, ‘State, issue new driver’s license that has that symbol in it,’ and we’re done,” Harper says.
If the state doesn’t issue new licenses soon, travelers could be forced to bring a passport or other form of identification to the airport to clear security screening.