Real ID
The Real ID Act
In 2005, Congress passed the “Real ID Act” which establishes security standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification cards issued in the USA. Beginning May 07, 2025, Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept driver’s licenses and IDs as sufficient proof of identification if they are not Real ID-compliant.
Effective May 7th 2025
Individuals 18 years and older will be required to provide a Real ID-compliant Driver’s License or identification card, or an acceptable form of federal identification for:
What are the Real ID Requirements?
Applicants must provide documentation verifying the following:
Examples of Acceptable Documents
*All applicants under 18 must provide their birth certificate. No substitutions are allowed for this requirement.
Identity, DOB & Lawful status
Provide (1) of the following documents containing the applicant’s current legal name*:
U.S. passport or passport card (unexpired)
U.S. birth certificate (original or a certified copy)**
Consular report of birth abroad (FS-240/545 or DS-1350)
Certificate of naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
Certificate of citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
*If the document does not match the applicant’s current legal name, supporting legal documents showing the name change (marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s), court order(s), adoption records, etc.)
*suffixes (Jr. Sr. II, etc.) must match. Documents with nicknames cannot not be accepted.
MINORS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
** All applicants under 18 must always have their original or certified Birth Certificate and be accompanied by a custodial parent or legal guardian with legal documentation proving guardianship.
Current Legal Name
If your name has changed from your primary document, any of the following applicable documents linking your current legal name may be required:
Marriage Certificate(s)
Divorce Decree(s)
Adoption Record
Court Order for Name Change
Example: If your name changed due to marriage and your maiden name is not listed on your license, you will need your marriage certificate to link your birth certificate to your current name.
Residency
Provide (2) of the following:
Dated within 60 days
Utility bill (phone, cable, electricity, gas, internet etc.)
Financial statement (i.e., bank/credit union account, investment account, credit card account, or loan/credit financing)
Health Explanation of Benefits
Letter from employer verifying applicants address on company letterhead
School record or transcript, report card, or student loan application
Dated within 6 Months
Homeowners insurance policy or premium bill
Mortgage, payment coupon, deed, escrow statement or property tax bill
Currently /Unexpired
Valid LA Driver’s License
Louisiana Voter Registration card
Firearms License
*Document must show applicant’s name and current Louisiana address
2 of the same document type may be used if they are issued by different providers/institutions (e.g. bank statements issued by two different banks)
Social Security Number
Provide (1) of the following:
May provide verbally
Social Security Card
W-2 Tax Form (most recent filing)
SSA-1099 or non-SSA 1099 form
A pay stub