Anyone hoping to board a flight at Fort Dodge Regional Airport — or any other airport — on Wednesday better have a gold star in the upper right hand corner of their driver’s license.

That gold star signifies that a license is in compliance with the federal REAL ID law. That’s a measure passed in 2005 to prevent the use of counterfeit identification to board planes or enter certain federal facilities.

Although the law was passed in 2005, its implementation was repeatedly postponed. However, it now finally goes into effect on Wednesday.

Iowans have been pretty conscientious about getting their REAL ID licenses, according to the state Department of Transportation, the agency in charge of issuing them. It reported that 76 percent of licensed drivers have a REAL ID license. Among those who fly regularly, that figure is about 85 percent, the department reported.

Instructions for getting a REAL ID license can be found at iowadot.gov. In general, applicants will need a birth certificate, Social Security card and pieces of mail that show their address. To get the ID, they will have to make an appointment at their nearest driver’s license station.

A REAL ID license is needed to board commercial flights, enter some federal facilities and to enter nuclear plants.

It is not needed to drive, vote, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, access hospitals, visit post offices, or enter federal courts. A REAL ID license is not needed to apply for or receive federal benefits.

A valid U.S. passport can be used in place of a REAL ID license for boarding flights.