Iowa reaches 75% Real ID compliance

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – A gold star doesn’t just symbolize a job well done and soon travelers will be required to have one.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a release reminding residents that starting on May 7, a Real ID is required to board federally regulated commercial flights nationwide. A Real ID may also be required to access certain federal buildings or nuclear power plants.

These requirements stem from the REAL ID Act of 2005. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the act is meant to establish security standards for license issuance and production.

The Siouxland Tri-States have already begun issuing Real IDs, with South Dakota announcing 99% compliance in 2019.

Iowa is catching up, according to the release. As of March 2025, 75% of Iowa Driver’s licenses and IDs are Real ID compliant, ahead of the national average of 60%.

Nebraska began circulating Real IDs in 2013 and placed a statewide compliance deadline in 2020, according to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

“With driver’s licenses and state identification cards renewed every five years, this means all valid Nebraska DMV cards in circulation are REAL ID compliant,” stated Nebraska officials in a press release dated Feb. 24, 2020.

Real IDs can be identified by a gold star in the upper-right corner. If the corner is blank or reads “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES,” then you will need to obtain a Real ID prior to boarding any domestic commercial flights, some federal facilities, or power plants.

For more Real ID information, follow this link.

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