Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, a Louisiana driver's license without a star will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports in the US. This is because the REAL ID Act of 2005, passed by Congress after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes. Louisiana residents can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, which is indicated by a star in the upper right corner, or use another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board their flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Louisiana driver's license valid at the airport? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant with a star in the upper right corner. |
| What are other acceptable forms of ID? | State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential. |
| What if the ID is not REAL ID-compliant? | Passengers will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. |
| What is the cost of a REAL ID-compliant license? | $32.25, or $18.75 for drivers age 70 and older. |
| Where can Louisiana residents obtain a REAL ID? | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Public Tag Agent location, title and notary offices. |
| What documents are required to obtain a REAL ID? | Proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of Louisiana residency, and a current driver’s license. |
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What You'll Learn
- Louisiana driver's licenses must have a star to be REAL ID-compliant
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to board flights from May 7, 2025
- REAL ID licenses can be obtained from Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles
- Other acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints include passports and DHS trusted traveler cards
- Louisiana residents can use the LA Wallet app for identity verification at checkpoints
Louisiana driver's licenses must have a star to be REAL ID-compliant
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID will be required to board a plane in the US. This means that a standard Louisiana driver's license without the star will not be accepted at airports. Louisiana residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID license, which has a small star in the top right corner, or to stick with their current standard license. However, without the star, Louisiana residents will not be able to board flights or access certain federal buildings and military bases.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license in Louisiana, individuals can visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle website to review the process and make an appointment to bring certain documents to a nearby OMV office or Public Tag Agent location to prove US citizenship and Louisiana residency. Required documents include one proof of identity (such as a passport or US birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-US citizens, and two proofs of Louisiana residency. REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs cost the same as standard ones—$32.25, or $18.75 for drivers aged 70 and older. There is no extra fee for a REAL ID if you are renewing your license or getting a duplicate.
Louisiana residents who wish to use their mobile driver's license at the TSA checkpoint at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport must have a REAL ID license. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its acceptance of digital IDs, and Louisiana is now the eighth state that offers digital IDs with TSA CAT-2 interoperability. Louisiana residents can download the LA Wallet app to their smartphones and use it for identity verification during the screening process instead of presenting a physical photo ID and boarding pass. However, travelers should continue to carry their physical driver's license or photo ID as a backup.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling and to arrive at the airport early to allow time for the identity verification process, as long lines and airport delays are expected.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to board flights from May 7, 2025
From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that do not comply with REAL ID standards will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Louisiana residents can determine if their license is REAL ID-compliant by checking for a star in the upper right corner of their card. If their license does not have this star, they will need to upgrade to a REAL ID. This can be done by visiting a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles field office or Public Tag Agent location and providing the necessary documentation, such as proof of identity, legal presence, and Louisiana residency. The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard one, at $32.25, or $18.75 for drivers aged 70 and above.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, travelers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the correct documentation. In addition to a REAL ID-compliant license, other acceptable forms of identification for boarding flights include a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. These forms of identification can be used as alternatives to a REAL ID-compliant license to board flights and access certain federal facilities.
For Louisiana residents specifically, it is important to note that a standard driver's license without the star will not be valid for boarding flights or gaining access to secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices. Therefore, it is recommended to upgrade to a REAL ID as soon as possible to avoid any issues when traveling. The process of upgrading to a REAL ID may take some time, so it is best to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute.
In conclusion, starting from May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant licenses will be required to board flights in the US. Louisiana residents can obtain a REAL ID by visiting the appropriate offices and providing the necessary documentation. It is important to be prepared and ensure that you have the correct form of identification before traveling to avoid any delays or issues at the airport.
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REAL ID licenses can be obtained from Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other accepted ID will be required to pass through TSA checkpoints at US airports. Standard driver's licenses that do not meet REAL ID requirements will no longer be accepted. This means that if your Louisiana driver's license does not have a star on it, you will need to present another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.
To obtain a REAL ID license in Louisiana, you can visit the state's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Specifically, you will need to go to an OMV field office or Public Tag Agent location to prove US citizenship and Louisiana residency. The required documents include one proof of identity (such as a passport or US birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-US citizens, two proofs of Louisiana residency, and your current driver's license if you are exchanging one issued by another US state. REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs cost $32.25, or $18.75 for drivers aged 70 and older. There is no extra fee for a REAL ID if you are renewing your license or obtaining a duplicate.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA website or with your state department of motor vehicles before traveling to ensure that you have acceptable ID. Additionally, if you wish to use your mobile driver's license at the TSA checkpoint at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, your license must be a REAL ID.
The REAL ID program is a coordinated effort across the United States to improve the authenticity and security standards of driver's licenses and identification cards. It was recommended by the 9/11 Commission to standardize identification nationwide and protect against fraud and counterfeiting. As a result, REAL ID-compliant licenses have a small star in the upper right corner, indicating that they meet federal regulations.
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Other acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints include passports and DHS trusted traveler cards
As of May 7, 2025, a Louisiana driver's license must have a star on it to be compliant with REAL ID requirements and thus valid for boarding a domestic flight. This is in line with a federal law, the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was passed by Congress after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve the security of IDs used at airports.
Louisiana residents can upgrade to a REAL ID if their license does not have the star, or they can stick with a standard driver's license. However, a standard credential without the star will not be accepted for boarding a flight or gaining access to secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
If a traveler's driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight. Other acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints include passports and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). Additionally, TSA has expanded its acceptance of digital IDs, including Louisiana-issued mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) at checkpoints with digital ID readers. The LA Wallet app can be used for identity verification during the screening process instead of presenting a physical photo ID and boarding pass.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travelers are strongly encouraged to check the list before traveling and to arrive at the airport early to allow time for the identity verification process.
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Louisiana residents can use the LA Wallet app for identity verification at checkpoints
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that Louisiana residents must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which has a small star in the upper right corner, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a flight.
Louisiana residents can upgrade to a REAL ID if their current license does not have the star. However, without the star, they will not be able to board flights or access certain federal buildings. Additionally, if Louisiana residents wish to use their mobile driver's license at the TSA checkpoint at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, their license must be a REAL ID.
The LA Wallet app is Louisiana's first mobile driver's license platform that allows users to carry a legal digital version of their driver's license or state ID. The app is accepted by Louisiana law enforcement and any government or retail location statewide. It is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices and provides users with the convenience of having their license information easily accessible and always up to date.
LA Wallet also offers enhanced security and privacy features. For example, it enables users to verify their identity remotely and securely with businesses and organizations through the VerifyYou Remote system. This system generates a unique code through the app, which the individual then uses to verify their identity. Additionally, LA Wallet is backed by anti-fraud verification services, providing users with peace of mind and ensuring the security of their personal information.
Overall, the LA Wallet app provides Louisiana residents with a convenient, secure, and widely accepted alternative to a physical driver's license or state ID. It can be used for identity verification at various checkpoints, including TSA checkpoints at airports, making it a useful tool for residents traveling within the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of May 7, 2025, a Real ID is required to board domestic flights.
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards.
A Real ID-compliant license has a small star in the upper right corner.
If you don't have a Real ID, you will need another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board your flight.
You can obtain a Real ID from a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles field office, Public Tag Agent location, title office, or notary office.
