Time's ticking for Missourians who haven't yet secured their REAL ID compliant cards; Governor Mike Kehoe's latest reminder emphasizes the looming May 7 deadline for the federal mandate, as reported by the governor's office. With the date almost upon us, Kehoe encourages residents to step up to the plate and make the switch to enhance the security of state-issued identification, crucial for air travel and entry to federal buildings.
The demand for REAL IDs comes amid efforts to curb fraud and bolster national security, an initiative supported by the state government, with Kehoe acknowledging the assistance of the Trump Administration and Secretary Noem in enforcing this federal law, according to a recent news release. At present, only 45 percent of Missouri's document holders are equipped with the REAL ID, which is identifiable by a star in the upper right corner; the alternative noncompliant IDs are clearly marked with "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES," as mentioned on the Office of Governor website.
Who needs this new ID? The answer is anyone intending to fly domestically using federally regulated airlines, access federal facilities, or enter nuclear power plants after May 7, as stated in the information provided by the governor's office. Missouri law doesn't make applying for this form of identification compulsory, but it offers a choice for those wishing to avoid inconvenience in the upcoming months, however, other forms of identification such as passports are still valid for TSA checks.
Securing a REAL ID involves presenting original documents that verify identity, lawful status, Social Security number, residency, and any official name changes, a process that residents can begin at any of Missouri's numerous contract license office locations, and the Missouri Department of Revenue's website has a detailed list of the acceptable documents.
