URGENT: Louisiana Residents Only Have Until May To Get This

Airports can already be a stressful experience, even without worrying about identification issues. Long security lines, delayed flights, lost baggage, and last-minute gate changes can turn any trip into a frustrating ordeal. Add the possibility of being turned away at TSA for not having the right ID, and your travel plans could be completely derailed before they even begin.

Time is running out for Louisiana residents, and if you don’t act fast, you could find yourself stranded at the airport!  Don’t wait until it’s too late, We've got everything you need to know about this new process...

Starting May 7, 2025, air travel in the U.S. will change if you don’t have a Real ID. Without one, you won’t be able to fly within the country unless you have another approved ID, like a passport. A Real ID is different from a regular driver’s license because it follows federal security rules. You can still use a regular license for driving and everyday use, but it won’t work at airport security. If you travel often or need to visit federal buildings, getting a Real ID will make things much easier.

Getting a Real ID is simple, but you’ll need the right documents. To apply, visit your local Office of Motor Vehicles with proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. You will also need proof of Social Security, like a Social Security card or W-2 form, and two documents that show your Louisiana address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Once you have these documents, you can apply for your Real ID at the OMV. There is a small fee to upgrade, usually between five and fifteen dollars, depending on whether you are renewing your license at the same time.

If you don’t plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you don’t need to rush to get a Real ID. However, if you do travel, it’s a smart idea to apply sooner rather than later. As the May 2025 deadline approaches, OMV offices will get busier, and wait times may increase. If you decide not to get a Real ID, you can still travel using a valid passport or military ID. But for convenience, getting a Real ID now can save you a headache later.

If you don’t have one of these, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. However, if your driver’s license or state ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, TSA may still accept it temporarily.

I was just in the airport this past week, and every other sign inside of every airport I was in stressed the importance of getting a RealID before the deadline. The deadline for needing a Real ID for domestic flights and federal purposes is May 7, 2025. For more details, visit the Louisiana OMV website and start preparing now to avoid last-minute stress.