Be Alert: What Louisiana Residents Need to Know About Real ID Before 2025

As the deadline for the Real ID program approaches, Louisiana residents must prepare to meet the federal requirements.  We've got everything you need to know about the Real ID and the upcoming deadlines...

Starting May 7, 2025, traveling within the U.S. is going to change for those who don’t have a Real ID. Without one, you won’t be able to board domestic flights unless you have another approved ID, like a passport. The difference between a Real ID and a regular driver’s license is that the Real ID meets federal security standards. Regular licenses will still work for driving and non-federal purposes, but they won’t be enough for airport security. If you like to travel or visit federal facilities, having a Real ID will make life much easier.

What Is Real ID?

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to improve the security of state-issued IDs. A Real ID has a gold or black star on the top right corner, making it easy to identify.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that all travelers 18 and older will need a Real ID, a permanent residency card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or another federally approved ID to pass through security. Other accepted forms of ID include a Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe ID, a U.S. Citizenship certificate, or an Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card.

If you don’t have one of these, you won’t be allowed through TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. However, if your driver’s license or state ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you haven’t been able to renew it yet, TSA will still accept it as valid identification for now.

How to Get Your Real ID

To get your Real ID in Louisiana, start by visiting your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Be sure to bring the necessary documents with you. You’ll need proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Social Security, like your Social Security card or a W-2 form. Additionally, you’ll need two documents that show your current Louisiana address, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement. Once you’ve gathered these, you can apply for your Real ID at the OMV. There’s a small fee to upgrade, typically ranging from $5 to $15, depending on whether you’re renewing your license at the same time.

There’s no need to panic about getting a Real ID if you don’t travel or need access to federal buildings—it's not a requirement for everyone. However, if you think you might need one, it’s smart to get ahead of the rush. As the May 2025 deadline approaches, Louisiana OMV offices are likely to get busier, so applying early can help you avoid long wait times. If you decide not to get a Real ID, you can still travel and access federal facilities using alternatives like a valid passport or a military ID.

May 7, 2025: The deadline for needing a Real ID for flights and federal purposes.
For more details or to check what you’ll need, visit the Louisiana OMV website. Don’t wait—start preparing now to avoid last-minute stress!