Real ID Requirements

Effective May 7, 2025

Louisiana residents must provide a federally recognized form of identification, such as the Real ID license or a passport, to board domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant license or identification card may be obtained from the Louisiana OMV. Applicants will need to provide certain documents to prove identity. A gold circle with a star cutout in the right, top corner of the license confirms it is Real ID-compliant.

The federal Real ID Act of 2005 was designed as anti-terrorism legislation and is the product of President George W. Bush’s National Strategy for Homeland Security panel. State-issued driver’s licenses are used by most people as identification. The Act required states to follow set procedures and collect specific documents to ensure that the holder of a driver’s license is who they said they are.