CO Coronavirus: Real ID Deadline Extended Amid Outbreak

The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday the Real ID deadline has been pushed back a year to October 2021 amid global turmoil being wrought by the new coronavirus.

The original deadline for getting a Real ID was Oct. 1. Real ID will be eventually be necessary for domestic air travel and for getting onto military bases or secure federal facilities.

The extension comes as states, including Colorado, close DMVs to the public.

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"The federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline," Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement. "Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the Administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts. States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs. "

Coloradans who have a gold or black star in the upper right corner of their ID are compliant. View sample images of compliant ID here. Most Colorado driver licenses and identification cards have been REAL ID compliant since 2012; however, some identification cards don't have a gold or black star and will not be accepted. Those with non-compliant cards may want to renew or replace their credentials.

Patch Editor Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.

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