If youve had the pleasure of standing in line at airport security recently, youve probably noticed the big blue signs warning travelers of new identification requirements coming next year. If you havent, you may have no idea that your drivers license or other state-issued ID could soon become obsolete for air travel.

As of Oct. 1, 2020, every adult needs to show a Real ID -compliant drivers license (or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport) to fly within the United States. If you dont have one, youre not going anywhere even if youre traveling domestically. Youll also need one to enter a secured federal facility that requires ID.

But what, exactly, is a Real ID? And how do you get one? We have the answers to all your Real ID-related questions below.

What Is A Real ID?

Back in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act in response to the 9/11 Commissions recommendation that identification requirements be tightened. The act establishes minimum security features and bars federal agencies from accepting any ID that doesnt meet those specifications. However, since most of us carry state-issued IDs, states had to be given time to implement these changes. Thats why we havent heard much about the Real ID and its upcoming deadline until fairly recently.

Included among these new security requirements are features that make counterfeiting more difficult. Holograms are often used for this purpose. All Real IDs will also have a barcode that can be easily scanned to pull up information such as the holders full name, birth date, license number and more. And according to the act, all the documents presented by Real ID applicants for identity and residency verification must be scanned and stored in a database including birth certificates and Social Security cards even if those people are denied an ID.