Kansas REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Starting on May 3, 2023, anyone over the age of 18 in Kansas will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic U.S. flights.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
After May 3, 2023, anyone over the age of 18 in Kansas will only be able to use a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license as documentation to board U.S. domestic flights in accordance with the 2005 REAL ID Act. 
While your driver’s license gives you legal permission to operate a vehicle, it also has other functions that you might not immediately recognize. One of the most important functions of your license is that it acts as an identification document that can be used for things like boarding flights that do not require the use of a passport. 
As of May 2023, however, you’ll need a Kansas REAL ID-compliant driver’s license if you still want to use it to get past security at the airport.
If you’re not familiar with REAL ID, or just not sure where to start when it comes to getting one, don’t worry!
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What is REAL ID?

The introduction of REAL IDs was a national security measure in response to the tragedy in New York on September 11, 2001. Recommended by the 9/11 Commission, the
REAL ID Act
was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish enhanced identification standards for U.S. documents
While it has taken a while, the requirement for REAL-ID compliant driver’s licenses will go into effect nationwide on May 3, 2023

Who needs a REAL ID?

Starting on May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required in order to: 
  • Gain access to a nuclear power plant
  • Enter some federal facilities
  • Board federally regulated commercial aircraft (e.g., domestic flights)
While the first two stipulations aren't likely to affect the majority of Americans, the last one is more of a concern. If you wish to continue using your Kansas driver’s license as ID at the airport—particularly if you do not own a U.S. passport—you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license before May 2023
If you have do have access to a valid U.S. passport, you might not need to upgrade to a REAL ID in Kansas. A full list of valid identification documents for boarding flights after the May 2023 cut-off for REAL ID is available on the
TSA website
Key Takeaway The REAL ID Act sets new standards for identification documents—which are scheduled to take effect in 2023. 
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How to get a Kansas REAL ID

Getting a REAL ID in Kansas really only takes two short steps:
  • Use the Kansas Department of Revenue’s
    document checklist
    to gather all the necessary paperwork, including proof of lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and two examples of proof of Kansas residency.
  • Visit your local Kansas Department of Revenue office with all of the above documents in hand to get your REAL ID. 
You won’t pay any more for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in Kansas than you would for a regular driver’s license. You can expect to pay approximately $32 to upgrade or renew your license and add on REAL ID credentials.

How to save money on car insurance in Kansas

While a REAL ID-compliant Kansas driver’s license will help you board domestic flights to the far reaches of the U.S. in 2023, having reliable car insurance can help you explore the rest of the country safely—starting right now!
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Even better than the time you’ll save on comparing insurance quotes, Jerry also saves users an average of $800+ a year on their car insurance policies! 
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Acquiring a REAL ID may not be essential for all U.S. travelers, but you can visit the
Department of Homeland Security’s website
to check whether you need a REAL ID. If you want to use your driver’s license to board domestic flights after May 3, 2023, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant license.
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