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State urges Hoosiers to get Real ID before Oct. 2020

Posted at 9:52 PM, Sep 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-23 21:54:49-04

INDIANAPOLIS — The state is urging travelers to get a new kind of ID that will soon be required to board a plane.

On Monday the Transportation Security Administration and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles came together at the Indianapolis International Airport to educate people on what's called the 'Real ID.'

Starting on Oct. 1, 2020, travelers must have an upgraded Real ID drivers license or ID card, or they will not be allowed to board commercial planes or enter certain federal buildings.

Check your driver's license though because you may already have a Real ID.

If your license has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you have a Real ID.

"You're not required — that's first and foremost, really important to let folks know it's not a requirement in the state of Indiana," Kevin Garvey, with the BMV, said. "Other states have chosen to require it. We do not. But, I think it's also important for folks to know that there is going to be restricted access to certain things if you don't have that. The most common one, the reason why we're in this building - is obviously flying. So, Oct. 1, 2020 — if you don't have that ID, you're not going to be able to board an aircraft."

Again, if you have a star in the upper right corner, then you already have a Real ID. If you don't, you'll need to get one at your local BMV branch.