What’s a Real ID and Why You Need to Get One
In the months leading up to October of 2020, you are going to be hearing more and more about the Real ID. That's because October 1, 2020, is when the Real ID Act of 2005 is scheduled to become a reality.
That act passed during a frenzy of security upgrades after the attacks of September 11, 2001, prohibits federal agencies from accepting identification that does not meet minimum security standards. Louisiana's current form of ID, aka driver's license, doesn't meet those standards.
That means if you plan on taking any trips by air after October 1, 2020, you're going to have to come up with a better form of identification. Hence, the Real ID. The good news is that a Real ID is not hard to get. You just simply show up at your local Office of Motor Vehicles with the proper documentation, pay the fee, get your picture made, and you have a Real ID that is suitable for getting on a commercial aircraft.
What kind of documentation do I need to bring to the OMV to get a Real ID? You'll need documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, social security number and two proofs of address for their principal residence and lawful status.
I am sure you have questions. Guess who has the answers? Well, the Office of Motor Vehicles does right here.
By the way, there is no extra fee associated with getting a Real ID. It costs the same as getting your regular driver's license or ID issued or renewed. The difference is the "Gold Star" that you see in the upper right-hand corner of the license depicted. That's how you know if you've got a Real ID or just a regular license.