New REAL ID being issued for air travelers in Missouri

Time is running out for those who wish to fly without the new REAL ID. Missouri driver licenses and other forms of the new ID are now being offered in the state that meet the new, stricter TSA requirements made law under the REAL ID law.

After years of wrangling in the state legislature, the Show-Me-State is one of the last states in the nation to comply with the new federal law.

Now, Missouri residents won’t be able to board a plane, or even enter the gate area past security if they do not have the new identification after October 2020. And it includes all flights – domestic and international. The state had been issued an extension from the earlier date of Jan. 22, 2018. Now, time is up.

Congress passed the REAL ID law in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to increase security and tamp down fraud.

Those without REAL ID-compliant identification can show other forms, like a military ID, passport or green card to fly.

Non-compliant driver’s licenses can still be used to drive.

To get a REAL ID, resident will need a birth certificate, social security number, two acceptable documents verifying their Missouri address, and additional documents may be required if their name is different than it appears on their identity or birth certificate.

According to Travel Agent, Kathy Sudeikis, asking clients whether they have gotten a REAL ID has become part of their regular process.

“You don’t want to have to leave this and have someone mention it to you two days before you are trying to travel and those kinds of things. Which is why on the travel agency side, we’ll be proactively asking you if you’ve secured a REAL ID if you’re a Missouri resident,” Sudekis said.

You can find more information about the Missouri REAL-ID requirements here.

Kansas also has REAL-ID available. Details can be found here.

–Metrovoicenews.com and wire services