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Symbols, images and phrases of REAL ID

Updated 6-4-21. Over the next couple years, Notaries will see government-issued IDs that contain a variety of symbols, images, phrases and other indicators which can cause confusion in trying to determine if a particular ID is genuine — whether or not it's REAL ID-compliant. Here are some examples of genuine IDs you might see:

REAL ID-compliant

The star and bear symbol in the upper right corner means that the license is REAL ID-compliant.


Standard

The phrase, "Federal Limits Apply," in the upper right corner means that the license is not REAL ID-compliant.


REAL ID-compliant

The star symbol in the upper right corner means that the license is REAL ID-compliant.


Standard

This driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant. You can tell by the lack of identifying symbols.


REAL ID-compliant

The phrase, "Enhanced Driver License," in the upper right corner means that the license contains extra security features and is REAL ID-compliant.


REAL ID-compliant

The phrase, "Enhanced Identification Card," in the upper right corner means that the license contains extra security features and is REAL ID-compliant.


Kristin Stanberry is an editor and ID document acquisition expert for Keesing Technologies, global leader in ID document verification. She gathers her knowledge from multiple sources throughout North America, including personal contacts with leading experts and government agencies.


Related Articles:

REAL ID: What Notaries need to know

9 Comments

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davestanley310@msn.com

25 Mar 2019

honesty is the best policy.

Linda Mcmath

28 Jun 2020

Help with my business

athena4ncnotary@gmail.com

08 Feb 2021

Thanks for this. I had not seen a "Real ID" compliant ID.

taylor

03 Oct 2023

what does the little heart and "donor" mean with a Washington DL?

National Notary Association

23 Feb 2024

This symbol indicates that the bearer of the driver’s license has chosen to donate their organs in the event of their death. This symbol does not impact accepting of an ID for the purposes of notarization.

Marvin Brown

03 Mar 2024

What are the numbers on the face of the big pitcher mean, left side mean

National Notary Association

29 Mar 2024

Hello. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/03/real-id-what-notaries-need-to-know

Kerri

01 May 2024

What is the difference between a gold star and a gold circle with a star cut out of it on Florida drivers license?

National Notary Association

29 May 2024

They both mean the ID is REAL ID compliant.

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