Louisiana REAL ID: What You Need to Know
Starting on May 3, 2023, anyone over the age of 18 in Louisiana will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic U.S. flights.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
Beginning on May 3, 2023, in accordance with the 2005 REAL ID Act, anyone over the age of 18 in
Louisiana
will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to use as documentation for boarding U.S. domestic flights. 
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
What is REAL ID?
The introduction of the REAL ID was motivated by the 9/11 tragedy of 2001. The 9/11 Commission suggested the
REAL ID Act
to establish enhanced identification standards for U.S. documents. The act was passed by Congress in 2005, though it has taken a while to be implemented. However, REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses will be required for U.S. residents hoping to use the document as identification ahead of boarding domestic flights as of 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 domestic flights and other federally regulated commercial aircraft
If you don’t have upcoming plans to visit a nuclear power plant or federal facility, the first two stipulations might not be a concern. However, if you currently use your driver’s license as identification for boarding domestic flights, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID ahead of May 2023.
There is one caveat: If you have access to a valid U.S. passport, you might not need to upgrade to a REAL ID in Louisiana. 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—and it’s scheduled to take effect in 2023.
How to get a Louisiana REAL ID
You can get a REAL ID in Louisiana in two steps:
- Use the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles’document checklistto gather all the necessary paperwork, including proof of lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and two examples of proof of Louisiana residency.
- Visit your local Louisiana DMV office with all of the above documents in hand to get your REAL ID.
Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in Louisiana won’t cost you any more than a typical
Louisiana driver’s license
would. Expect to pay approximately $32.25 to renew a license that includes REAL ID credentials ahead of the May 2023 deadline. “Since I just got my license, my insurance costs a lot. I wanted to save as much as possible, andJerryhelped me switch from a $243 plan to $204 with Nationwide!” —Brady L.
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Louisiana REAL ID
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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