Indiana Real ID has a gold star in the top right corner and a vertical layout

An Indiana Real ID driver's license or ID card is vertical instead of horizontal, and it has a gold star in the top right corner of the card. That star is the federal marker that tells TSA agents and other officials the ID meets Real ID standards. The card is the same size as a regular Indiana license — 3.375 inches wide by 2.125 inches tall — but the vertical orientation and the star are what set it apart at a glance.

The gold star appears on every Real ID issued by Indiana since the federal requirement took effect. If you hold an Indiana ID and there is no gold star, it is not a Real ID, and you will not be able to use it for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings without another form of identification.

Key Takeaways

  • The gold star in the top right corner is the easiest way to identify an Indiana Real ID — all Real IDs have it, and non-Real IDs do not.
  • Indiana Real IDs are vertical cards, while standard Indiana licenses are horizontal.
  • The card includes your photo, name, date of birth, address, and driver's license or ID number in the same locations as a standard Indiana ID.
  • Security features like a hologram, microprinting, and color-shifting ink make the card difficult to counterfeit.
  • The expiration date and issue date appear on the front of the card, just as they do on standard Indiana IDs.

Front of the card: photo, name, and the gold star

Your photo appears on the left side of the front of the card. To the right of your photo, you will see your name, date of birth, and address. The gold star sits in the top right corner — this is the federal Real ID marker. Below your personal information, you will find your driver's license number or ID number, which starts with a letter followed by numbers.

The issue date and expiration date are printed on the front as well. Indiana Real IDs are valid for eight years if you are over 21, or until age 21 if you are under that age at the time of issue. The card also displays your eye color, height, and sex in the information section.

Back of the card: signature and security details

Your signature appears on the back of the card in the lower left area. The back also includes a magnetic stripe and a barcode that contain encoded information matching what is printed on the front. These machine-readable elements allow officials to verify the card's authenticity quickly.

The back of an Indiana Real ID looks very similar to the back of a standard Indiana license, so the gold star on the front is still the quickest way to tell them apart.

Security features that make Indiana Real ID hard to fake

Indiana Real IDs include several security features designed to prevent counterfeiting. A hologram appears on the card and changes appearance when you tilt it. Microprinting — tiny text visible only under magnification — is printed in several places on the card. Color-shifting ink is used in parts of the design, so the color changes depending on the angle you view it from.

The card also uses a special material that is difficult to replicate and includes embedded security elements that are not visible to the naked eye. These features work together to make it nearly impossible to create a fake Real ID that would pass inspection by trained officials.

How Indiana Real ID differs from a standard Indiana license

The most obvious difference is the orientation: Real IDs are vertical, and standard Indiana licenses are horizontal. The gold star is present only on Real IDs. Standard Indiana licenses do not have this star and cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building entry without additional identification.

The information printed on both types of cards is the same — name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and so on. The security features are also similar in many ways, but Real IDs include additional protections to meet federal standards. If you are unsure whether your card is a Real ID, look for the gold star in the top right corner.

What the gold star means for travel and federal access

The gold star indicates that your ID meets the Real ID Act requirements set by the federal government. Starting in May 2025, a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) will be required to board a domestic flight in the United States. Federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants also require Real ID or an equivalent document.

If your Indiana ID does not have the gold star, you can still travel domestically by bringing a passport, passport card, or other federally accepted document. However, obtaining a Real ID is often simpler than carrying multiple forms of identification.

Renewing or replacing your Indiana Real ID

If your Real ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Indiana residency — the same documents you brought when you first obtained your Real ID. The replacement process is the same whether you are renewing an expired Real ID or replacing a damaged one.

When you renew your Real ID before it expires, you can do so by mail if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid Real ID already and no changes to your address or name. If you are renewing in person, the new card will have the same gold star and vertical layout as your previous one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Indiana Real ID for international travel?

No. A Real ID is for domestic air travel and federal building access only. For international travel, you will need a passport or passport card. Some countries may accept a Real ID as a form of identification for entry, but it is not a travel document on its own.

What if my Indiana ID has a star but it is not gold?

Indiana Real IDs have a gold star specifically. If the star is a different color or appears different, your card may not be a Real ID. Contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to confirm whether your card meets Real ID standards.

Do I have to get a Real ID, or can I keep my standard Indiana license?

You can keep a standard Indiana license, but you will not be able to use it for domestic air travel or federal building entry without bringing another form of identification, such as a passport. If you travel frequently or visit federal buildings, a Real ID is more convenient.

How long does it take to get an Indiana Real ID?

Processing time varies depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and how busy your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch is. In-person applications are usually processed the same day. Mail renewals can take several weeks. Check the Indiana BMV website for current wait times at your branch.

What documents do I need to bring to get an Indiana Real ID?

You will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card), and proof of Indiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The Indiana BMV website lists all acceptable documents for each category.