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Writer's picturePhilip James

Déjà vu – REAL ID


Welcome back to Philip James Travel!

Does it count to say déjà vu if you’re reusing some newsletter content from a year ago? Whether it does or not, an astute reader contacted me last week to inquire about the enforcement of the US Department of Homeland Security’s requirement that all the states adhere to new ID requirements. So, with just more than 7 months left until this is enforced, I want to remind you that if you’re planning to board a plane on or after October 1st, 2021, you will need a state-issued Real ID. Had COVID-19 not upended normal life, the Real ID requirement would have gone into effect last October. This reprieve allows some time to put this task back on your to-do list.

So, here’s what’s required if you live in Louisiana. Other states should be similar.

In order to obtain a REAL ID you must go to your local Office of Motor Vehicles location and provide the following documentation; you cannot obtain a REAL ID online:

  • One document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth (birth certificate, US passport, valid unexpired foreign passport)

  • One document (with full name and Social Security number) confirming Social Security number (Social Security card, 1099 tax form, W-2 form)

  • Two Documents (with current physical address) proving Louisiana residency (utility bill or cable bill, school records, Louisiana vehicle registration card, insurance policy or title, housing lease or contract, mortgage statement, property or income tax statement, military orders or military documents)

If applicable, you will need to provide one or more documents verifying any name changes. The deadline for Federal REAL ID requirements is Oct. 1, 2021.

The good news for those of you whose Louisiana driver’s licenses have recently expired, or will expire prior to October 1st you will be automatically issued a REAL ID when you renew. The identifying mark of a REAL ID in Louisiana is a white star encircled in gold in the upper right corner of the front of your driver’s license.

If you’d like more information on this thrilling but necessary topic, please click HERE

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you as a trusted resource, please let me know. Until next time, try to dream a little bigger than your trip to the DMV!

Destination Inspiration: MOROCCO

-Philip

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine – it’s lethal.”

Paulo Coelho, born 1947, Brazilian lyricist and novelist

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