To Do List for 2019: Get a New Texas Drivers License

The Real ID Act will be a part of Texas in the year 2020. Let's all go ahead and take out our drivers license and see if it has a white star in a gold circle off to the right like the photo above?

No star? Then you will need to get a new drivers license this year if you plan on getting on an airplane or entering a federal building in the state of Texas next year. Pretty much that simple. If you do not have a Real ID by October 1st, 2020, you will potentially have to show a secondary form of approved ID to board a plane or enter a federal building. No official word yet on what the acceptable secondary identification will include. What's that? You didn't bring your lease, bank statement, or a piece of mail to the airport? Darn it.

If you are like me these things sneak up on you. You know it's coming but its a year away. Then boom, you can't get on a plane. So I'll be getting in line to get mine updated. I probably need to see about a passport as well. Won't be long before they only take that I wonder. Here is a link to a list of frequently asked questions about the Real ID Act.

Also, remember that starting in 2018 the DPS only issues a Drivers License or an Identification Card. The days of getting both are over.