REAL ID is a U.S. law established in 2005, requiring all states to comply with new identification standards for air travel and entrance to some federal facilities like military bases. When REAL ID goes into effect in October 2020, you’ll need more than a driver’s license to fly. Options include a passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL), green card, and many others.

Don’t Fly? You’re covered. A REAL ID compliant-ID is not required to access federal courts, Social Security offices, national parks, and health care facilities—among others. Other avenues of tra...