This is the Best Day of the Week to Get a REAL ID in Louisiana

If you still need to get your REAL ID and live in Louisiana, then there is a particular day of the week that is ideal for doing so. But more on that in a bit.

Earlier this week, I went to the Lafayette Office of Motor Vehicles to get my REAL ID. I made an appointment online several days in advance and was hoping to be in and out in no time like recent visits.

However, that wasn't the case because the OMVs statewide were experiencing rolling outages that were significantly slowing their systems down.

Thankfully, I was still able to get my REAL ID done that afternoon.

By the way, the Louisiana OMV is still experiencing technical outages, but their technology department is working on a solution to stabilize the system.

But back to the REAL IDs. There is a national deadline of May 7, 2025. Once the deadline passes, if you don't have a REAL ID, you may need to provide another form of identification, like a U.S. passport or military ID, to board a plane.

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Facebook

You can learn more about REAL ID at the Department of Homeland Security site here.

If you still need to get your REAL ID and want to optimize your time, there is a particular day of the week that is the best day to get that done and that's on Saturday.

However, it's not every Saturday as OMV field offices aren't usually open then.

Google Maps

You do have two Saturdays at select OMVs across the state where those locations will be open and only servicing folks who need to get their REAL ID.

The following OMV field offices will be open on April 12 and May 3 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm:

Alexandria
Baton Rouge
Houma
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Livingston
New Orleans (Veterans Boulevard)
Monroe
Shreveport
Westbank - Oakwood Center

It is highly recommended to make an appointment though and you can do so at www.expresslane.org/appointments.

And most certainly make sure you have the right documents with you before you go. To see the REAL ID checklist, visit www.expresslane.org/REALID.

Louisiana’s Worst Speed Traps

Driving through Louisiana? You might want to hit the brakes—fast. Several towns across the state are notorious for sudden speed drops and aggressive ticketing practices. These speed traps aren’t just about keeping roads safe; many small municipalities depend on traffic fines to fund their budgets. From hidden patrol cars to sharp speed limit changes, here are Louisiana’s worst speed traps and tips to help you avoid an unwanted ticket.

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham