You now have less than one year until a REAL ID will be required to board a flight or enter a federal facility. Across the United States, the requirement begins October 1, 2020 as a result of the REAL ID Act. Passed by Congress in 2005, it requires every state to issue this REAL ID-compliant license or ID.
In order to obtain a REAL ID, the federal government requires Louisiana residents to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through the following documentation:
- Passport or birth certificate
- Two proof of address documents such utility bills or bank statements
- Social Security card
- Name change linking documents, example: Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree, Court order
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has a website with information on the documentation that will be presented at the Revenue Office to obtain a REAL ID. The website confirms the documents meet all requirements or specifies which document is missing.
The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID. The REAL ID may be obtained any time as a replacement license or ID.
Additional information on the REAL ID Act of 2005 may be found at www.dhs.gov/real-id.