With less than a year to go until the May 7, 2025 federal deadline to enforce the REAL ID system, the Missouri Department of Revenue is making it even easier for Missouri residents to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or non-driver identification card. After that deadline, every air traveler age 18 and older will need a REAL ID or another form of identification deemed acceptable by the Transportation Security Administration to fly within the United States.
A REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card issued in Missouri will have a star in the upper right corner. A non-REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card will have the words “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” in the upper right corner.
Since the Missouri Department of Revenue began offering REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards on March 20, 2019, more than 2.9 million REAL IDs have been issued.
During this time, citizens have consistently reported that one of the biggest challenges in applying for a REAL ID-compliant card is obtaining two residency documents verifying a Missouri address. To ease this burden while still complying with the REAL ID Act of 2005, the agency has expanded the list of acceptable residency documents. In addition, the agency can also accept electronic copies submitted from a mobile device for eligible applicants.
“Under my leadership, we are committed to providing the best experience to every customer, every time. With that goal in mind, we have taken steps to make it easier for our customers to apply for a REAL ID,” said Wayne Wallingford, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. “To date, 38 percent of documents in Missouri have been issued as REAL ID compliant.”
In addition, individuals who self-certify that their REAL ID-verified address has not changed at the time of applying for a noncommercial renewal or duplicate REAL ID card may not be required to provide proof of address.
None of the recent changes alter the basic requirements of the REAL ID Act of 200 for first-time REAL ID applicants, who must provide proof of identity, lawful status, name change, and address. Rather, these improvements provide additional ways to meet the mandated residency requirements; and benefit those who have previously received a REAL ID-compliant card.
Who needs a REAL ID?
Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID is your choice and not mandatory. However, all U.S. citizens will soon be required to present a REAL ID to enter nuclear power plants and federal facilities and to board federally regulated domestic flights. If you plan to fly in the future but do not wish to apply for a REAL ID, you may present another acceptable form of identification, such as your U.S. passport.
A non-compliant driver’s license or identification card will continue to be accepted for driver’s licensing verification, proof of age, voting and voter registration, government purposes, and other purposes not restricted by the REAL ID Act.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?
To apply for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, Missourians must submit valid original documents verifying their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, proof of residency, and an official name change if applicable. A full list of acceptable documents can be found on the DOR website at dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/real-id/. Anyone wishing to apply for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card must notify the person sponsoring them at the beginning of the transaction.
When will the REAL ID requirements be implemented?
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline for implementing REAL ID to mitigate the burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. REAL ID will now be implemented starting May 7, 2025.
Where can I apply for a REAL ID?
Residents can apply for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or non-compliant driver’s license at one of Missouri’s numerous contract licensing offices. The transaction and processing fees for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card (new or renewed) are the same as for a driver’s license or ID card that is not REAL ID compliant. For detailed fee information, visit https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/resources/license.html#fees.
