MISSOURI – After two decades of deadlines pushed back, the Department of Homeland Security is implementing its Real ID requirement in exactly two weeks. And more than half of Missourians are without one.

What is a Real ID?

The Real ID Act passed in 2005 in a post-September 11 effort to “establish minimum security standards for license issuance” in addition to heightening standards in which an ID is accepted. Specifically, it’s designated for entering nuclear power plants, accessing federal buildings, and one major application—flying domestically.

Beginning May 7, anyone over the age of 18 is required to have a Real ID to board a plane in the United States. A Real ID will have a gold star on the top right corner of the license. A non-compliant license will state “Not for REAL ID purposes” in the same corner.

Missouri started handing out the Real IDs in 2019. As of April 23, only 46% of Missourians have their Real ID, according to the state’s Department of Revenue Director of Communications JoDonn Cheney. A report this week from CBS News shows a wide margin of Americans are not Real ID compliant.

How do I get a Real ID?

Cheney emphasized for residents to plan accordingly if they have scheduled flights coming up as the deadline is only two weeks away. After stopping by the DMV to get your Real ID, it will take 7-10 business days to arrive—and a paper copy won’t be accepted at the airport.

In order to obtain a Real ID, you must visit a Missouri DMV office certain documents in each category:

  • Identity and lawful status
    • Valid passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, etc.
  • Social Security number
    • Social Security Card, W-2 form, pay stub with SSN, etc.
  • Proof of residence
    • Utility bill, government documents, financial checks, etc.
  • Name change (if applicable)
    • Marriage or divorce license, adoption papers, etc.

To see the full list of accepted documents for applications, click here. The price for a Real ID is the same as the current licensing fees for similar, non-compliant identification offered by the State of Missouri. Click here to see the full list of fees.

What happens if I don’t get a Real ID?

Missouri is one of a few states that does not require every resident to get a Real ID. A non-compliant license will still allow you to drive, vote or register to vote, use for state purposes and age verification. So if you do not plan to fly, enter federal buildings or a nuclear power plant, you may not need one.

However, if you do have a flight booked soon and you do not possess a Real ID, it could create some significant issues during your travel day, even if you have TSA Pre Check. According to TSA’s website, those citizens should travel with additional identification, such as a passport.

Despite this, not having a Real ID could bring travelers to “face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.” The administration recommended arriving to the airport at least three hours in advance if you don’t have proper identification.

TSA notes that travelers “will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.”

To find a DMV near you, click here. To find more information on Real IDs, click here.