Travel may be down since the pandemic began, but there’s a deadline that’s quickly approaching for people who are expecting travel to pick back up in 2021.

Starting Oct. 1, 2021,  the Transportation Administration Authority will no longer accept state identification cards without a star.

Travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another form of acceptable ID to fly within the United States.

These rule changes were announced in 2005 when Congress passed the REAL ID Act: a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission.

The law aims to create a national standard by ensuring every state has a more secure driver’s license.

Driver licenses with stars in the upper corner are REAL ID compliant, which means they are more secure than older versions.

Those who show up to airports without them will have to bring alternative forms of acceptable ID or be turned away at the security checkpoint.

The list of acceptable IDs includes a passport, military ID cars, a border ID card, a trusted traveler card, including Global Entry, and a permanent resident card.

Five states also issue an enhanced driver’s license, including New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington, that serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.   EDL’s are REAL ID-compliant for domestic air and allows re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders from Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. EDL’s have an American flag in the lower right corner instead of a star.

Find out more information about the REAL ID-compliant rules on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website here.