Missouri residents will soon have to obtain a Real ID in order to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, as the deadline for compliance approaches. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with the goal of improving the security and authentication of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The Missouri Department of Revenue started issuing Real IDs on October 10, 2019, but many residents have yet to make the switch. With the deadline set for October 1, 2020, time is running out for Missourians to update their IDs and comply with the federal law.
For those who are not familiar with Real ID, it is a form of identification that meets federal standards for security and authentication. It features a star in the upper right corner of the card, indicating that it is compliant with the Real ID Act. To obtain a Real ID in Missouri, residents must provide a variety of documents to prove their identity, including a birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of residency.
Some Missouri residents have expressed frustration over the process of obtaining a Real ID, citing long wait times at the Department of Revenue and confusion over the required documents. However, state officials have emphasized the importance of getting a Real ID in order to avoid complications when traveling or accessing federal facilities.
Missouri Department of Revenue Director Joel Walters recently stated, “We want to make sure that Missourians are prepared for the Real ID deadline and understand the importance of having a compliant ID. It’s essential for travel and accessing federal facilities, so we encourage everyone to get their Real ID as soon as possible.”
In addition to the Real ID requirement, Missouri residents will also need a passport or other approved identification to fly domestically after October 1, 2020. This has led to concerns about potential delays and confusion at airports if residents do not have the proper identification.
To help expedite the process, the Missouri Department of Revenue has extended operating hours at select license offices and added additional staff to assist with Real ID applications. They have also provided online resources and FAQs to help residents understand the requirements and gather the necessary documents.
Despite these efforts, some residents are still unsure about the significance of the Real ID requirement. Sarah Johnson, a Missouri resident, stated, “I didn’t realize how important it was to have a Real ID until I tried to board a domestic flight and was told my current ID wasn’t valid. It was frustrating and embarrassing, so I am definitely planning to get my Real ID before the deadline.”
For those who are unsure about whether they need a Real ID, the Department of Homeland Security has provided a list of federal facilities and purposes that will require compliant identification after October 1, 2020. These include boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, and accessing military bases.
Overall, the deadline for Missouri residents to obtain a Real ID is quickly approaching, and state officials are encouraging everyone to take action before it is too late. The process may be time-consuming and confusing, but the benefits of having a compliant ID far outweigh the inconvenience. Failure to comply with the Real ID Act after October 1, 2020, could result in travel delays and restricted access to federal facilities. So, it is essential for Missouri residents to act now and ensure that they have the necessary identification to travel and access federal facilities in the future.
