— North Carolinians now have the option of getting a driver's license or identification card through the state Division of Motor Vehicles that complies with the more stringent standards of the federal REAL ID.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Beginning in 2020, a REAL ID will be required for commercial air travel and for visitors to federal buildings, military installations and nuclear facilities.

Older, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and identification will remain valid but will require additional supporting material to be used for air travel and federal facility access.

To apply for a REAL ID, North Carolinians must visit a DMV driver's license office and provide:

One document that proves identity, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or immigration documents

One document that verifies birth, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or immigration documents

One document that confirms a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form

Two documents that establish residency in North Carolina, such as a utility bill, vehicle registration card or bank statement

Identification that meets the REAL ID standards will bear a gold star. All other licenses and identification cards will read "Not for Federal Identification."

A REAL ID will not permit direct access to Fort Bragg or other military installations – people still have to get visitor passes – but it will save time getting a pass.

"I have to give him my registration and ID, and then they do a background check before they allowed me to go any further," Fayetteville resident Felicia Braswell said of going on post. "That [REAL ID] would eliminate a whole lot of it, so I'd be glad to have that."

A REAL ID will cost $13 for people seeking a duplicate license, or they can wait to obtain one when renewing their licenses, authorities said.