Documents Required for Louisiana Real ID

To get a Real ID in Louisiana, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of lawful status. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) accepts specific documents in each category — not all documents work for all purposes. You cannot submit copies or digital images; originals or certified copies are required for most documents.

The Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license or ID card for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Louisiana began issuing Real ID cards in 2009 and now requires them for anyone who wants to fly domestically or enter a federal facility. If you do not have a Real ID and need one, you must visit an OMV office in person with the correct documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers as proof of identity — photocopies are not accepted.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can serve as proof of your Social Security number, and at least one document from this category is required.
  • Louisiana residency is proven with a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — the document must show your name and current address.
  • Proof of lawful status includes a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa — the specific document depends on your citizenship status.
  • You cannot complete a Real ID transaction by mail or online; you must appear in person at an OMV office with all required documents.

Proof of Identity Documents Accepted by Louisiana OMV

Louisiana OMV accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. Your original birth certificate, passport, military discharge papers (DD-214), or naturalization certificate all work. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport is accepted if it is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. A tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe also counts.

Certified copies are acceptable for birth certificates and naturalization papers — these are official copies issued by the vital records office or court, not photocopies you make yourself. If your birth certificate is from another state or country, it must be a certified copy with the official seal. Louisiana-issued birth certificates can be originals or certified copies. Do not bring a photocopy, a hospital birth record, or a baptism certificate; OMV will not accept these.

Social Security Number Proof

You need one document that shows your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the most straightforward option. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past three years will work. A current or recent pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it is also acceptable.

If you have never worked and do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. You can request this letter online through your Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The letter takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Bank statements and insurance documents do not count as proof of your Social Security number for Real ID purposes.

Louisiana Residency Documentation

To prove you live in Louisiana, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Insurance documents such as homeowner's or renter's insurance policies are accepted if they show your current address.

The document must be in your name and must match the address where you currently live. If you recently moved, bring a document from your new address. If you are staying with someone else and do not have a utility bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there, can substitute — but this is slower and requires a notary. Government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card also counts if dated within 60 days.

Proof of Lawful Status in the United States

Your proof of lawful status depends on your citizenship. U.S. citizens can use a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers (DD-214). Permanent residents must bring their green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you are a temporary resident with work authorization, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

Refugees and asylees can use their refugee travel document or asylum approval letter. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients should bring their Employment Authorization Document. If you are a citizen of a Compact of Free Association state (Palau, Marshall Islands, or Micronesia), bring your passport. The document you bring must be valid or, in some cases, expired no more than five years. Contact your local OMV office if your immigration status does not fit these categories.

What Happens at the OMV Office

Bring all four types of documents to your appointment. An OMV employee will examine each one, make copies for the file, and return your originals to you. You will fill out an process form (DL 44 for a driver's license or DL 44R for an ID card) and provide your signature and thumbprint. You will also have your photo taken at the office.

The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will pay a fee — the amount varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a Real ID for the first time. Your new Real ID card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You cannot use your old license for federal purposes once your Real ID is issued, so plan accordingly if you need to fly or enter a federal building before your new card arrives.

Documents That Do Not Work for Real ID

Photocopies, faxes, and digital images of documents are not accepted, even if they are clear and complete. School IDs, employee IDs, and library cards do not count as proof of identity. A hospital birth record or baptism certificate is not a certified birth certificate. Expired documents generally do not work unless the specific rule allows it (such as a passport expired less than five years ago).

Documents from other countries must be certified or official — a translation alone is not enough. If you have a foreign document, bring it along with a certified English translation. Notarized letters can substitute for some documents (like proof of residency) but cannot replace primary identity documents. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call your local OMV office before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for Real ID?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport card works the same way as a passport book for Real ID purposes. Both are accepted as proof of identity and proof of lawful status. Bring whichever one you have.

What if my birth certificate is from another state?

A birth certificate from another state is accepted as long as it is a certified copy with the official seal from that state's vital records office. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy if you do not have one. The process usually takes one to two weeks.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license to get a Real ID?

No. Your old license is not required. However, if you bring it, OMV will take it and destroy it when you receive your new Real ID. If you want to keep your old license, leave it at home.

Can someone else bring my documents to the OMV office for me?

No. You must appear in person. OMV requires you to sign the process, provide your thumbprint, and have your photo taken. These steps cannot be done by someone else on your behalf.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Once you receive your number, you can then explore for a Real ID.