© 2024 KMUW
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kansas Unveils New 'Real ID' Drivers Licenses, 3 Years Early

Kansas Department of Transportations

There will be a new look for Kansas licenses and IDs. The program is part of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.

The program is being phased in all over the country, and Kansas has begun the process as well--three years early. The new license and ID can be identified by a white star inside a gold circle located on the top right corner of the card.

Real IDs will lawfully be used for U.S. air travel and to enter some federal sites. They're required by the end of September 2020.

In order to get a Real ID, wait for your renewal time and bring in extra documentation when you visit the DMV (or wherever you may get your license). You will need a birth certificate and a proof of your Social Security number. If you don't have those documents you will be issued a card that says "not for federal ID" on it. That card will still be good as state identification and as a state drivers license; however, starting Oct. 1, 2020, a Real ID will be required for domestic air travel.

--

Aileen LeBlanc is news director at KMUW. Follow her on Twitter @Aileen_LeBlanc.

 
To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.