Legal Corner: How do I get a REAL ID?

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions.

QUESTION: I have been trying to get information about what specifically is being done about the disappearance of our beautiful Louisiana coastline. However, I have not been successful.

Who should I contact for information?

ANSWER: The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, which was created after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita by the Louisiana Legislature in 2005, is the state agency that focuses on the development, implementation and enforcement efforts to achieve comprehensive coastal protection for Louisiana.

To obtain information, a public records request to the custodian of records, Executive Division, Legal Section, can be submitted as follows:

Email: CPRAPublicRecords@la.gov

Fax: 225-342-4004

U.S. Mail:

Public Records Custodian

CPRA Legal Section

P. O. Box 44027

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4027

UPS or Fedex:

Public Records Custodian

CPRA Legal Section

150 Terrace Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

QUESTION: I missed the deadline to get my REAL ID. Can I still get it? Can I still fly if I do not have one?

ANSWER: The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, both physical and digital (also known as Mobile Driver’s Licenses, or “mDLs”).

For travelers 18 years of age and older, beginning May 7, 2025, a compliant ID or license or other acceptable forms of ID became required for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities. REAL IDs can be obtained even after May 7th.

Passengers who do not have their REAL ID or another Transportation Administration (TSA) acceptable form of ID can expect additional delays, such as additional screening and the possibility of not getting through security if the ID cannot be verified.

Other types of approved IDs include:

1) U.S. passport

2) Enhanced ID (from another state that issues them)

3) Permanent resident card or other federally accepted ID