REAL ID, Do I need one?

It may seem like more than enough time, but you now have less than 8 months to get your REAL ID compliant driver license or ID card from the state of Missouri!  State officials are encouraging residents not to wait until the last minute to apply for their Missouri REAL-ID.

What is REAL ID?   A ‘REAL ID’ is issued when certain documents have been presented at your driver license bureau which are required by the REAL ID Act of 2005.  This act establishes heightened anti-fraud, anti-identity theft, and anti-terrorism security requirements for driver licenses and non-driver identification (ID) cards. The Missouri REAL ID compliant licenses and ID cards will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.

Do I need a REAL ID compliant license or ID card?             
YES – you need one by October 1, 2020 if you do not have another form of identification that meets federal standards such as a U.S. passport or passport card AND if you plan to:

• Board any domestic flights
• Access certain federal facilities like military bases and federal courthouses
• Enter a nuclear power plant

NO – a REAL ID compliant license or ID card is not required for:

• Voting
• Registering to vote
• Verifying your age
• Other state purposes.

When do I need to have a REAL ID? The REAL-ID requirements go into effect October 1, 2020.

How do I get a REAL ID? You can apply for a REAL-ID compliant Missouri driver license or non-driver ID card from the Missouri Department of Revenue from one of the state’s more than 170 license office locations.  Please visit this link to learn more about the REAL ID and documentation needed.