Missouri Department of Revenue makes it easier to apply for Real ID

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Revenue is making it easier for Missourians to apply for their REAL ID as the federal Real ID enforcement deadline approaches.

The Missouri Department of Revenue says electronic documents will now be accepted and the list of accepted documents has been expanded, according to a news release. Additionally, at the time of application for a Real ID renewal or replacement, those who confirm that their REAL ID-verified address has not changed may not have to present proof of address documentation.

Under Missouri law, applying for a Real ID is not required. However, all U.S. residents will soon be asked to present a Real ID to enter nuclear power plants and access federal facilities, according to a news release from the DOR.

After May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years and older will also need a Real ID, or another TSA-approved form of identification to fly within the U.S. A Missouri-issued Real ID will have a star in the upper right-hand corner. A license or ID card that is not a Real ID will have “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” in the upper right-hand corner.

Daniel Velez, a spokesperson for TSA, said REAL IDs will be harder for criminals to duplicate.

"We're trying to make sure that everybody around the country has some form of a vetted I.D. So a regular driver's license, starting next year, you're not going to be able to travel with that at all," Velez said.

The previous deadline was May 3, 2023, but the  U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the meantime, Velez said airport employees are doing their part by reminding flyers about this upcoming change.

"Say you go up and you hand them just a regular ID, it's not a REAL ID yet," Velez said. "They're going to grab one of these sheets and they're going to hand it to the passenger, and the passenger can scan it and they can it'll take them right to the site where they can pick their state and go right to their DMV page to kind of get an idea of what they're going to need to get an actual real ID."

The DOR says these improvements provide additional options for people to meet the residency requirements; and benefit those who already have a Real ID-compliant card.

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