Louisiana OMV To Begin Issuing Real ID Compliant Credentials

On June 14, 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law SB 227 authored by Senator Yvonne Colomb and HB 702 authored by Representative Jimmy Harris and Representative Terry Landry giving Louisiana citizens the option to obtain a Real ID compliant credential.

“I am proud this option will now be available for those citizens who want to have one”, stated Governor Edwards. “The goal of the REAL ID is to help safeguard against potential danger. This will help protect our family, friends and communities and reinforce our sense of public safety which we all value. Very soon, anyone who wants to take a commercial flight or enter a federal building where identification is required will have to present a REAL ID or produce two forms of identification, so I encourage Louisianans to make use of this new form of ID.”

Although you will not need a Real ID compliant for air travel until October 1, 2020, offering the option now will give OMV 4 years to assist the customers requesting a Real ID compliant credential. Customers must present certain documents to verify their identity prior to being issued a Real ID compliant credential. The most common documents will be a certified copy of a birth certificate or an unexpired passport along with your social security card. Proof of Louisiana residency, such as a utility bill or phone bill, will also be required. OMV will retain a copy of your identity documents eliminating the need for you to provide them in the future. A complete list of acceptable documents can be found at www.expresslane.org.

OMV Commissioner Karen G. St. Germain stated, “We are extremely excited to provide this option to our Louisiana citizens. I want to make sure that our citizens know they are not required to obtain a Real ID compliant credential. However, the choice is now available to our customers.”

For those who currently hold a valid driver’s license or ID, there is NO need to immediately replace that credential to board a plane. You will be offered the option upon renewal or if you request a duplicate.

All Louisiana OMV information about REAL ID will be posted at www.expresslane.org, as well as on social media forums. Citizens are also encouraged to take advantage of the OMV online services offered at www.expresslane.org.