Many Missourians have been under the false impression they were mandated to have a compliant Missouri Real ID by May 7 to travel on federally regulated domestic flights. According to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a REAL ID is not mandatory identification to travel on a federally regulated domestic flight. It is a choice. “However, I advise travelers to arrive at the airport early if you do not have a REAL ID since you may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening,” Hoskins said. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
“REAL ID” comes from a federal law named the REAL ID Act of 2005. The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting, for official purposes, driver licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards.
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7 residents of every U.S. state and territory were required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or “another form” of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to board federally regulated domestic flights.
Also beginning May 7 individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or “another form” of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities and to enter nuclear power plants.
Proponents of this law say the REAL ID Act is about fraud protection, anti-terrorism and driver license and nondriver license identification card (ID card) security. Opponents of the REAL ID Act say it is an encroachment on the liberties and privacy of Missourians. “The real-world implication of a nationalized ID system, with biometric photo data that allows for long-distance identification and tracking of residents, is disturbing,” Former Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder said in a press release regarding REAL ID.
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. While many kinds of identification would work, the most common ones would be a passport or a driver’s license, or other state issued ID. State IDs must meet REAL ID benchmarks. Federal IDs also must meet equivalent standards. Examples: US passport, “Trusted Traveler” cards, (such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), US Military ID, Border Crossing Card, DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license and a state-issued driver’s license that has received a REAL ID extension.
Acceptable IDs must be current, and contain the following: name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature.
If you do not have a REAL ID, the TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. “Be sure to bring back up documents to go with photo IDs,” Hoskins said. “Such as a birth certificate, a social security card and proof of address, such as a utility bill.” If your name has changed bring a copy of your marriage license. For the full list of acceptable forms of ID visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
Missouri’s REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and nondriver ID cards will have a star in the upper right-hand corner. A license or ID card that is not compliant with REAL ID will have “Not for REAL ID Purposes” in the upper righthand corner.
To obtain a REAL ID in Missouri, you need to bring specific documents to the DMV, including a birth certificate or passport to verify your identity and U.S. citizenship, a Social Security card or document, and two documents that prove your Missouri residency, such as a utility bill or voter registration.
For those who regret getting a REAL ID and who want a regular driver’s license you can go to refuserealid.org. for instructions on how to do that.
