Final answer:
The star on an identification card indicates that it is Real ID compliant, meeting the security and identity verification standards of the Real ID Act. It's required for federal activities like boarding flights within the U.S. and accessing certain federal facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The star in the top right of an identification card, specifically a driver's license or a state ID in the United States, indicates that the ID is Real ID compliant. This means the identification meets federal government standards for security and identity verification set after the Real ID Act was passed in 2005. The Act established minimum security features that must be incorporated into each card and requires proof of identity and legal residence status for issuance.
To be considered Real ID compliant, a person must provide several documents that prove their identity, Social Security number, residency, and legal status in the United States. This Real ID is necessary for certain activities such as boarding federally regulated commercial flights, entering nuclear power plants, or gaining access to federal facilities after specific enforcement dates. The presence of a star, therefore, assures that the holder of the ID can use it for these purposes. Without a Real ID, individuals will need to provide a passport or another acceptable form of federal identification for these activities.