Real ID deadline fast approaching, officials urge public to prepare now

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Real ID deadline is quickly approaching, and officials at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are urging the public to get ready now.

Starting May 7, travelers flying out of MCI will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, a passport, or another TSA-approved form of identification to pass through security smoothly.

On Tuesday, the Kansas City License Office was packed with people racing to meet the deadline.

“For the past couple of days, it’s been frustrating,” said Treveno Davis, who was in line to get his Real ID.

Davis was back for the second time after being turned away for not having the right paperwork.

“I had mail from the bank that goes to my house and she wouldn’t take that, so I need a bank statement, I need this and that. You go get it, and then she comes back and says, ‘Well, now you need this and this,’” Davis explained.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, to obtain a Real ID you will need:

• Proof of identity and lawful status, such as a birth certificate or unexpired passport
• Signed Social Security card, W-2 or pay stub showing Social Security number
• Two documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill or voter registration card

The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is meant to add an extra layer of security to domestic air travel by verifying a person’s identity and ensuring lawful presence in the United States.

For married women, the process can come with additional hurdles. If your current name is different from the one on your birth certificate, you will also need a certified copy of your marriage license.

“As a woman, that’s very unfair,” said Marie Stevenson, who had to step out of line to track down additional documents. ”I think this extra process really isn’t needed,” she added.

With summer travel just around the corner, officials say now is the time to get your documents in order to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport.

“If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned that you’re going to fly some place, go ahead and get to the DMV. But if you’re not flying until September, maybe you can wait until June or July when it’s convenient for you to go in and upgrade, if you will, to a Real ID,” said Trish Vincent, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

A full list of acceptable documents is available on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

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