In Louisiana, legislation was approved to allow local residents to obtain a driver’s license that is compliant with the REAL ID Act.

House Bill 907 will provide the option for Louisiana residents to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or one that does not comply with federal standards. Several of the ID opponents worry that the REAL ID Act may lead to additional governmental intrusion into state affairs.

The REAL ID program began following 9/11. It creates security standards for all drivers’ licenses. States that don’t implement the new ID may cause residents to be rejected when using their driver’s license as identification to obtain a boarding pass.

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Updated June 29, 2023

The new ID has since been implemented by the Louisiana government. LA residents have until May 7, 2025 to comply with Real ID standards. According to Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an acceptable alternative document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License. The REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).”