The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) held a press conference on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Shreveport Regional Airport to remind Louisiana residents about the importance of obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses ahead of the May 7, 2025, federal deadline.
Starting in May 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another federally approved form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights or access secure federal facilities.
During the event, OMV Commissioner Dan Casey and TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz urged residents to act promptly to avoid last-minute rushes or travel disruptions.
“All Louisiana residents who are planning to fly in the next year and beyond should prioritize getting a REAL ID license or ID card,” Casey said.
He explained the required documentation, which includes a U.S. passport or birth certificate and two pieces of mail verifying residency. Casey encouraged residents to visit the OMV website for a complete list of requirements and step-by-step instructions.
REAL ID-compliant licenses feature a small star in the upper-right corner, signifying they meet federal security standards. Non-compliant licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel or entry into secure federal facilities after the deadline.
Koshetz highlighted new security advancements at Shreveport Regional Airport, including the recent deployment of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) machines.
“When you fly out of here next time, you’ll see where our officer will tell you that you can insert your license right into the machine,” Koshetz said. “It will take your photo, which isn’t saved, but it will flash your photo and tell our officer—based on the security-embedded identification protocols inside that ID—that you’re the person on the license in the picture they’re seeing in real time, and if you are, in fact, flying that day.”
She also noted that TSA plans to enable the machines to accept mobile driver’s licenses in the future, with implementation expected as early as next year.
The May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID compliance is less than six months away. Casey and Koshetz emphasized the importance of early action to avoid potential delays.
“May 2025 will be here before we know it,” Koshetz warned. “Taking care of this now ensures you’re prepared and won’t face any unexpected travel interruptions.”
Louisiana residents can upgrade to a REAL ID at any OMV field office. Detailed instructions and documentation checklists are available on the OMV website.
For more information on obtaining a REAL ID-compliant credential, residents are encouraged to visit www.expresslane.org/REALID or contact their nearest OMV field office.