Local license offices see surge as REAL ID deadline approaches
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Lines are forming outside at least one Columbia license office as people rush to get a new Real ID ahead of a pending deadline.
Columbia's license office on Vandiver had a line out the door Tuesday morning. An employee told ABC 17 News that it takes 5 to 10 minutes to process each REAL ID customer.
Starting on May 7, the federal government will require travelers 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or passport when boarding a plane or visiting certain federal offices or facilities.
According to the TSA, those who travel after May 7 with a non-compliant ID will face additional screening measures, possibly travel delays and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
The TSA says currently 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints present an acceptable identification, including a state-issued REAL ID, and it expects that number to increase
The Missouri Department of Revenue says you will need the following valid documents to obtain a REAL ID:
- Identity (one acceptable document to verify full legal name and date of birth);
- Lawful status in the United States (one acceptable document to verify United States citizenship or immigration status);
- Social Security number (one acceptable document);
- Missouri residency (two acceptable documents verifying your Missouri residential address); and
- Additional items, such as a certified marriage license or court order, may be required to verify a new or prior name change if your name is different from the name on your identity and date of birth verification document.
REAL ID comes from the REAL ID Act of 2005. It is a federal law that focuses on fraud protection, anti-terrorism and driver's license and non-driver's license identification card security. Missouri achieved full implementation of its REAL ID program in 2019, according to the Department of Revenue.
