The bad news: You need to visit a DMV office to do it and you may need to plan ahead. Getting a REAL ID or EDL requires additional paperwork, which you can find on your state's DMV website. For example, here's what the New York DMV website says is required for a REAL ID:

“You MUST bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility.  If you have a valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original social security card or W-2 with full SSN.  If you do not have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number.  If you lost your Social Security Card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV. The Social Security Administration website has more information on obtaining a duplicate card.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court- or government-issued proof(s) documenting the event(s) causing your name change(s) such as a marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document(s).”

Oh, and comb your hair; the REAL ID application process also requires the DMV to take a new photo.

In the beloved Dr. Seuss story, “Those stars weren't so big. They were really so small. You might think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.” But for travelers, those small stars are about to matter an awful lot. 

Very soon, we'll start seeing new signs at airports nationwide to remind us that REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020. 

Take the hint and don't leave getting yours until the last minute.

 

Beginning in October 2020, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will get past the TSA checkpoint. Photographer: Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg

Take a quick look at your driver's license. Does it have a star in the upper right corner? The TSA is preparing to take a page out of Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches and allow only those with starred licenses to fly within the United States.

Newfangled driver's licenses with stars are REAL ID compliant, meaning that they are more secure than what were previously issued. The new rules were announced back in 2005, when Congress passed the REAL ID Act on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The law is intended to create a national standard and make sure every state has a more secure driver's license.

“TSA is doing everything we can to prepare our partners and the traveling public for the REAL ID deadline next year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement. “The security requirements of the REAL ID Act will dramatically enhance and improve commercial aviation security.”

What does this mean for travelers? Beginning October 1, 2020, travelers who present a driver's license that is not REAL ID compliant will not be permitted to fly. They'll have to bring another form of acceptable ID to the airport instead or be turned away. The list of acceptable IDs includes a passport; a military ID; a border ID card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry; a permanent resident card; and other documents.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star in the upper right corner.

Note that five states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington) also issue an enhanced driver's license (EDL) as a proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. It serves not only as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel but it also allows re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders when coming from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Instead of a star in the upper right corner, EDLs have an American flag in the lower right corner.

The good news: If your license is not REAL ID compliant, you've got about 18 months to get an updated license.

The bad news: You need to visit a DMV office to do it and you may need to plan ahead. Getting a REAL ID or EDL requires additional paperwork, which you can find on your state's DMV website. For example, here's what the New York DMV website says is required for a REAL ID:

“You MUST bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents:

Mo Drivers License Format

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you havea valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original social security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you do not have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number. If you lost your Social Security Card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV. The Social Security Administration website has more information on obtaining a duplicate card.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court- or government-issued proof(s) documenting the event(s) causing your name change(s) such as a marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document(s).”

Missouri Drivers License Renewal

Oh, and comb your hair; the REAL ID application process also requires the DMV to take a new photo.

In the beloved Dr. Seuss story, “Those stars weren't so big. They were really so small. You might think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.” But for travelers, those small stars are about to matter an awful lot.

Very soon, we'll start seeing new signs at airports nationwide to remind us that REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020.

Take the hint and don't leave getting yours until the last minute.

A trip to the DMV may not be your idea of fun, but it's necessary if you need a Missouri driver's license. The process is different depending on whether you're a teen getting your first license, a new resident who moved from another state, or a current resident renewing your license.

Getting Your First License

Missouri has a graduated system for any teen getting their first license. At age 15, drivers can get a learning permit after taking the required vision, road sign and written tests at a Missouri Highway Patrol testing station. The learning permit allows teens to drive only when there is another qualified adult in the passenger seat. This permit is good for up to 12 months.

Mo Driver's License Office Locations

Between the ages of 16 and 18, teens can get an intermediate license. To qualify, teens must have a learning permit for at least six months, receive 40 hours of driving instruction from a qualified adult (including ten hours of night driving), and take a driving test with a certified instructor at a Highway Patrol testing station. An intermediate license allows a teen to drive alone except during the overnight from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. This license is good for up to two years.

At age 18, teens move from an intermediate license to an under 21 full license. To qualify, teens must have a valid intermediate license and, once again, pass the vision and road sign tests. This license is good for three years.

First-time drivers need to bring the following documents: birth certificate or passport, social security number, proof of Missouri address and driver examination record.

Moving From Another State

Residents moving to Missouri from another state can get a driver's license at any Missouri license office. Drivers who already have a valid out-of-state license (current or expired less than six months) do not have to take the written or driving tests but do have to pass the vision and road sign exams. The Missouri license is good for six years.

Out-of-state drivers need to bring the following documents: birth certificate or passport, social security number, current Missouri address and license from the previous state.

Renewing Your Missouri License

Mo Drivers License Book

Most Missouri licenses have to be renewed every six years. Prior to the expiration date, the state sends out a reminder postcard to drivers. Take this card (or other proof of address) to any Missouri license office to renew. Drivers age 70 and older can get a three-year renewal.

Renewing drivers need to bring the following documents:renewal card or proof of Missouri address, social security number and current driver's license. Also, anyone who has had a name change will also need proof of that change, like a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Mo Drivers License Update

All drivers also need to know that because of a recent change in Missouri law to prevent identity theft, driver's licenses are no longer given out immediately at the license office. Instead, drivers receive a temporary paper license that is good for 30 days. Permanent licenses are then mailed, usually within ten business days. For more detailed information on the licensing process, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website.