Anyone who flies frequently or routinely goes into federal buildings may face a headache in the next couple of years, as the federal Real ID act goes into effect.

As of October 1st, 2020, you must have an officially-recognized ID card to fly commercially or gain entry on to federal property. Drivers licenses which are compliant with Real ID resemble a normal license; the only difference is a yellow star insignia imprinted on the card, which tells authorities the bearer’s identification has been verified.

The Real ID law was adopted as an anti-terrorism measure after 9/11, and is also intended to help cut down on identity theft.

You will be required to present a valid passport or an authenticated birth certificate when you get your driver’s license renewed. If you have a passport, or are still using your birth name, not a problem; but Vickie Chambers from the Marion County Treasurer’s Office tells KNIA/KRLS News it could be problematic for anyone which may have changed their legal name.

“But now let’s say you have changed your name since you were born; we need the paper trail on how you got to where you were. A lot of it would be like a certified marriage certificate where you changed your name. So you need that documentation also,” Bigaouette says.

Chambers says someone may be able to get their verification if they have a valid Social Security card, a W-2 or a 1099 form with the Social Security number on it; a bill or bank statement with your local address would also be acceptable.