What Happens in Louisiana If You Miss the REAL ID Deadline?

(Lake Charles, Louisiana) - A big change is coming soon, and it affects anyone in Louisiana who flies or visits certain government buildings. We have all the details.

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Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another approved form of ID to board a plane or enter secure federal buildings.

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What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a new kind of driver’s license or ID that follows federal security rules. It looks like your regular Louisiana license, but it will have a gold star in the top right corner to show it's REAL ID-compliant.

The government is requiring REAL IDs to help make flying and entering secure places safer for everyone.

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What If You Don’t Have a REAL ID by May 7?

If you don’t get your REAL ID before the May 7 deadline, your regular Louisiana driver’s license will not be enough to:

Board a plane anywhere in the U.S.
Visit secure federal buildings, like military bases or some government offices

But you’ll still be able to fly if you use another type of approved ID, such as:

A U.S. passport
An Enhanced ID (from another state that issues them)
A permanent resident card or other federally accepted ID

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

What Should You Do Now?

To keep using your Louisiana license for travel, go to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and apply for a REAL ID. You will need to bring documents that prove:

Your identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
Your Social Security number
That you live in Louisiana (like a utility bill or lease with your name and address)

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Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

As the deadline gets closer, more people will be heading to the OMV. To avoid long waits or travel problems, it’s smart to get your REAL ID as soon as you can.

The Bottom-line:

Starting May 7, Louisiana residents must have a REAL ID, passport, or another federally approved ID to fly or enter secure federal buildings. If you don’t have one by then, you won’t be able to use your regular license to travel, so take care of it now.