Countdown to REAL ID Enforcement

Beginning May 7, 2025, Louisiana residents will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. 

The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an acceptable alternative document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License. The REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card). 

1. Documents to Establish Identity, Date of Birth, and Lawful Status

A United States citizen shall provide at least one of the following to establish the applicant's identity and lawful status: 

•  A valid, unexpired United States passport or passport card.
• Original birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state of the United States. "State" includes the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico (must be certified as being issued on or after July 1,2010), or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
• Consular report of birth abroad issued by the United States Department of State, Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545.
• Certificate of naturalization issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Form N-550 or N-570.
• Certificate of citizenship, Form N-560 or N-561, issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

2.  Documents to Establish Social Security Information

The following list contains acceptable documents of social security verification:

• Social Security Card
• W-2 Tax Form with applicant's name and full or partial Social Security Number
• SSA-1099 with applicant's name and full or partial Social Security Number
• A non-SSA 1099 form with applicant's name and full or partial Social Security Number
• A pay stub with the applicant's name and full or partial Social Security Number

3.  Documents to Establish Principal Residence

Present two (2) original documents which include the applicant’s name and Louisiana street address. The documents must be from separate/independent sources.  

• Utility bills (i.e., water, sewer, gas, electric, cable/satellite TV, internet, telephone/cell phone, or garbage collection)
• Financial statements (i.e., bank/credit union account, investment account, credit card account, or loan/credit financing)
• Applicant's unexpired Louisiana driver's license, permit or identification card that shows his current principal residence
• Employer verification, including, but not limited to, one of the following: - Paycheck or paycheck stub - Letter from your employer on company letterhead - W-2 for earnings issued - Military orders issued
• The applicant's parent, guardian, spouse or other immediate family member residing in the same household’s valid Louisiana driver's license, permit or identification card. The family member must be present.
• Health insurance statement or explanation of benefits (EOB) for claim or a health care bill/invoice
• State of Louisiana or Federal income tax return or refund check
• Social Security documentation including Social Security Annual Statement, Numerical Identification System record, or Social Security check
• School record or transcript, report card, or student loan application
• Homeowners insurance policy or premium bill
• Mortgage, payment coupon, deed, escrow statement or property tax bill
• Louisiana Voter Registration card
• Auto-Insurance Policy
• Unexpired Firearms License (Gun Permit)
• I-797A or I-797C issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Refugee Address Verification Affidavit (DS-20)
• Current, valid, rental contract/agreement and/or rent payment receipts for a home, apartment, mobile home, dorm, extended stay motel, retirement/assisted living home, or a letter from a shelter.