Missouri Real ID – What You Need to Know

On Oct. 1, 2020, the Real ID Act will go into effect, making it necessary for Americans to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other accepted identification to fly within the country. According to a NBC Nightly News report, 73% of Americans do not yet have one.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Keep reading to learn about obtaining a Real ID in Missouri.

Does Missouri Law Require That I Have a Real ID?

No, Missouri Law does not require one to apply for and maintain a Real ID-compliant driver license or nondriver ID card.

When will I be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license, nondriver ID card or other form of acceptable ID to board an airplane?

While you will need a REAL ID for reasons other than flying (entering federal facilities and nuclear power plants); this is the requirement that will affect most people. Beginning on October 1, 2020, you will be required to present a valid, current REAL ID card or other acceptable approved documents, such as a passport, in order to board an airplane.

When can I apply for and obtain a Missouri REAL ID-compliant driver license or nondriver ID card?

Customers were able to apply for a REAL ID-compliant Missouri driver license or nondriver ID card beginning March 25, 2019.

Please note: the current Missouri-issued license and ID card will afford you the same access as a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card until October 1, 2020.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID-compliant driver license or nondriver ID card?

It is important to know that REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and nondriver ID cards are not available the same day as your application.

When applying for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, please allow time for its processing and mailing (typically 10-15 days). If you need to fly on October 1, 2020, and you wait to renew until September 30, 2020, you will not receive your REAL ID-compliant license or ID card in time to fly. Consider renewing no later than September 1, 2020, if you will need to fly on or soon after October 1, 2020, to allow sufficient time for delivery of your license or ID card.

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