REAL ID at SLAC
A REAL ID is required to access SLAC. As of May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began full enforcement of the Real ID Act of 2005. If you do not yet have a REAL ID, there are several other acceptable forms of identification, as detailed below. To learn more about the REAL ID requirement and how to get one, please visit this FAQ: https://www.tsa.gov/realid/realid-faqs.
What Is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID is a federally compliant driver's license or identification card that meets minimum security standards established by Congress following the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. These standards aim to:
- Prevent identity fraud
- Strengthen national security
- Establish consistent identification standards across all U.S. states and territories
Look for the star. REAL IDs typically have a star in the upper right corner of the card, which distinguishes them from standard, non-compliant licenses.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
When guests arrive on campus, they will need to present one of the following forms of identification at the security gate.
Primary Form:
- State-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
OR
Other Accepted Forms:
- U.S. Passport or Passport card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Resources
- Check if you already have a REAL ID using the interactive tool at tsa.gov/real-id
- Visit tsa.gov/real-id and click on your state or territory for specific instructions on getting a REAL ID
- Department of Homeland Security Website REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You won’t be able to use your standard driver’s license to access SLAC or board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities. You’ll need an alternative form of accepted identification.
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
| An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). |
| State-issued Enhanced Driver's License | HSPD-12 PIV card |
| U.S. passport | Foreign government-issued passport |
| U.S. passport card | Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card |
| DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) | Transportation worker identification credential |
| U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) |
| Permanent resident card | U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential |
| Border crossing card | Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) |
No. A REAL ID is not required for driving, voting, or accessing federal benefits (like Social Security or Veterans Affairs services). It’s only required for federal identification purposes like flying or entering federal facilities.
All new employees must present a REAL ID or other actable ID in order to receive a SLAC badge.
For everyone that is new to the lab and getting a SLAC badge, they will need to have a REAL ID. Individuals that have a valid SLAC badge can renew their badge without REAL ID as long as their badge is not expired.
If their badge has expired, a temporary badge will be issued for 30 days to allow the individual to obtain a REAL ID.
If they have a valid SLAC badge no further action is required.
Absolutely. A valid U.S. passport will always be an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights and federal access.
You license should have one of the markings below if it’s a REAL ID. California-issued REAL IDs will have the bear and star in upper right corner.
No. Minors under 18 do not need a REAL ID to access SLAC with an adult who has an acceptable ID.
No further action needed.
No impact to the guest house. Visitors can use drivers license or passport.
Individuals accessing the site with shuttle must have a valid SLAC badge or REAL ID.
Delivery drivers will be directed to S&R department for access only
