REAL ID Louisiana: 1.2M residents make upgrade before May deadline

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — More than 1.2 million Louisiana residents have gotten REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or ID cards before the May 7 deadline.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) offices and Public Tag Agents (PTAs) processed more than 97,000 REAL ID applications in April 2025. This is an 8% rise from last year, setting a new monthly record.

“This past month has been exceptional in delivering the services our citizens deserve. I am immensely proud of our dedicated team for their hard work and commitment,” Interim OMV Commissioner Bryan J. Adams said. “I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our residents for their patience and understanding as we navigate this process together and work toward a better future for all.”

Officials said more people joined after increasing public awareness and offering extended office hours. Several OMV offices across the state opened on Saturdays to get people REAL-ID ready.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID was created after the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations as a federal security standard. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or another approved form of ID, such as a passport, military ID or permanent resident card, will be required to:

• Board federally regulated commercial flights.
• Enter federal buildings.
• Visit nuclear power plants.

REAL IDs are marked with a gold star in the top corner. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to bring another accepted form of identification instead. The Department of Homeland Security recommends checking with the federal agency you plan to visit to make sure you bring the right ID.

OMV offices across Louisiana will continue to offer REAL IDs even after the May 7 enforcement date. Applicants must show proof of identity, evidence of lawful status in the country, birth date, social security number and two proofs of principal residence.

Click here for more about REAL ID requirements or make an OMV appointment online.

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