How to get a Real ID in Louisiana before May 7 deadline
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Reminders to get a Real ID have been posted in airports. Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Louisianans have a month left to upgrade their driver's licenses if they want to use them at the airport.
Why it matters: Starting May 7, you'll need a Real ID license or identification card — or another acceptable document — to board a plane in the U.S.
- The guidelines also apply when visiting military bases and secure federal buildings, including courthouses.
What is a Real ID?
The big picture: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards.
- Compliant IDs in Louisiana are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.
Flashback: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports.
- The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times.
How to get a Real ID in Louisiana
How it works: You have to go in person to an OMV location or one of the partner title offices. See list.
- A Real ID costs the same price as a regular driver's license.
Between the lines: OMV officials are warning of extended wait times due to computer system outages.
- Last-minute surges in demand are also expected ahead of the deadline.
Real ID requirements
State of play: You must provide documentation that shows your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status and two proofs of address, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety says.
- Proof of address could include utility bills, bank statements, paycheck stubs, health insurance statements or a property tax bill.
- The state has a digital tool to help you figure out what documents to bring.
Real ID alternatives
You can use a passport as an alternative to a Real ID, according to the Transportation Security Association.
- See TSA's full list of acceptable identification.
When you need a Real ID and when you don't
✅ You need a Real ID if ...
- You travel on a plane in the U.S. and don't have a valid passport or other acceptable ID.
- Visit a military base or a secure federal building, such as a courthouse.
- Enter nuclear power plants.
❌ You don't need a Real ID to drive, vote or open a bank account.
- TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the country.
- The Real ID Act doesn't require individuals to show ID where it currently isn't required, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles says.
What happens if you don't have a Real ID after May 7
What's next: Travelers "are strongly encouraged to use their U.S. passport or other acceptable form of ID when flying domestically," the TSA spokesperson told Axios.
- "TSA also recommends that these passengers arrive a little earlier than normal to allow time for the identity verification process."
Long lines and airport delays are expected.
- "TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time," the government agency said.