New federal ID mandate gets REAL in less than 3 weeks

Less than 3 weeks remain until a new federally mandated identification requirement gets REAL.

Hawaiʻi County is reminding residents that beginning May 7, driver’s licenses and state identification cards must be REAL ID compliant — marked with a white star encircled in gold — in order to board a domestic flight or gain access to certain federal facilities.

The symbol indicates full compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines, and Big Islanders are encouraged to make sure their credentials are REAL ID compliant now.

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Vehicle Registration and Licensing website for additional information about REAL ID application requirements.

You can also visit the Transportation Security Administration website for a list of all acceptable forms of identification.