Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver licenses." The state legislature passed and Governor Burgum signed the final implementation bill for REAL ID during the 65th Legislative Session in 2017.
REAL ID implements security processes designed to reduce identity fraud and provide the highest certainty that the individual with the identity document in front of you is who they say they are. Documents scanned will verify birthplace, current residence, etc. REAL ID prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet requirements for official purposes, such as boarding an airplane or obtaining access to a federal building.
As of October 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security has provided a waiver to the State of North Dakota for compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This means the current ND Driver License and Identification Card is accepted for access into federal facilities, including military installations, and boarding aircraft until May 7, 2025. After May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant credentials will be accepted for this purpose.
In-Person Appointment RequiredIf you have all the required documentation listed below and are ready for a gold star on your ID, click here.
A REAL ID driver license allows a North Dakota resident to use their driver license as a form of identification to complete domestic airline travel and access federal facilities, such as a federal courthouse or airbase.
Your present license remains valid until its expired date, as North Dakota has received a waiver from the US Department of Homeland Security. This means your current ND driver license and identification card is accepted for access into federal facilities, including military installations, and boarding aircraft until May 7, 2025.
See the following examples of REAL ID Driver Licenses (after August 2023 and before August 2023). Note, REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner. Non-Federal ID does not have a gold star.