Imagine stepping up to TSA security check-in at the airport and being told your Missouri driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification for boarding your flight. That could actually happen beginning Oct. 1, 2020. On that date, TSA and other federal authorities will only accept identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Missouri has been slow to adopt REAL ID, but the Department of Revenue will start issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs on March 25.
The first thing Missourians need to know is that there is no reason to replace your unexpired driver’s license or state ID prior to Oct. 1, 2020. Until then, your current license will still be accepted at security checkpoints, including those at airports, military installations, federal courthouses and nuclear power plants.
When it comes time to renew your identification you will have the option of selecting either a REAL ID or a traditional, non-compliant Missouri driver’s license or ID. You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote or most other things that cause you to present your driver’s license now. REAL ID is only required at federal checkpoints.
Even after October 2020, you will still be able to board an aircraft or pass through federal security checkpoints if you also have a U.S. passport, passport card, Department of Defense ID or some other document that complies with the REAL ID law.
If you decide to obtain a REAL ID, you will need to bring some extra documents with you when you go to the local driver’s license office. Expect to supply your Social Security card or a W2 form, birth certificate or U.S. Passport and two documents that prove your residency in Missouri. You can find a full list of acceptable documents and more information about REAL ID at https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information.
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