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Utah lawmakers explore quick fix to state driver-license problem that could run afoul of federal airport security

Utah leaders are considering calling a special session of the Legislature to quickly fix a problem that soon could prevent Utahns from using their driver licenses to pass through airport security.

The Department of Homeland Security is requiring Utah to reissue all of its driver licenses by Oct. 1, 2020 — to include a gold star on front as a sign that Utah reviewed birth certificates or passports to prove license holders are U.S. citizens.

Without the gold star — which allows officers to see compliance at a glance — DHS is warning it would no longer accept Utah driver licenses at airport security or to enter federal facilities after the 2020 deadline.