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.
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