BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is urging residents to act quickly to update their driver’s licenses or identification cards to meet federal REAL ID standards ahead of the May 7, 2025 enforcement deadline.

Under federal law, starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant state-issued IDs will be accepted by federal agencies for purposes such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Louisiana’s REAL ID credential will feature a gold circle with a star cutout in the top right corner.

Residents must visit an OMV field office or a Public Tag Agent location in person to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. This is in contrast to some other states that offer remote renewal options, as Louisiana does not currently participate in such a program. For those who are not eligible for a renewal, applying for a duplicate REAL ID credential is an option.

The REAL ID initiative has been rolled out nationwide with different states adopting unique symbols to distinguish their compliant credentials. New York has chosen a black star, while California’s REAL ID displays a bear and star. Some states, including Michigan, issue enhanced driver’s licenses with a U.S. flag emblem.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also integrated Louisiana’s mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards through the LA Wallet app at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and several participating airports across the country. However, beginning on the May 7 deadline, only REAL ID-compliant credentials will be accepted for TSA screening at MSY.

The OMV is urging residents to begin the process as soon as possible to avoid delays and ensure they are able to comply with the new federal requirements ahead of the deadline.