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A “compliant” driver’s license or identification (ID) card is now needed to access federal facilities requiring proof of identity. REAL ID Phase 3b enforcement began on October 10, prohibiting federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses or identification cards issued by non-compliant states for the purpose of accessing federal facilities rated at Facility Security Levels 3, 4, or 5 and military facilities. NIH is a Security Level 4 facility. As of October 13, 2015, this restriction only affects driver’s licenses and identification cards from Minnesota and American Samoa.

Federal officials may continue to accept Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) from Minnesota. Samples of EDLs from Minnesota are posted on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website (To view samples, click on the link: Minnesota). According to the DHS, State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. They provide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive.

The DHS has been working with states to enhance their driver’s licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), effective June 1, 2009. Enhanced drivers licenses make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border into the United States.

To view the most recent list of compliant states, please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/secure-drivers-licenses.

To view a REAL ID guide produced by the Interagency Security Committee, please visit:

http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/isc-real-id-guide-august-2015-508_0.pdf.