Mississippi’s REAL ID deadline is here. Will your license still work without it?
Federal agencies in Mississippi, including the TSA, will strictly enforce the REAL ID requirements, beginning Wednesday, May 7.
Following this date, only REAL ID-compliant Mississippi’s driver’s licenses or approved substitutes will be valid for boarding domestic flights and entering specific federal buildings.
How to know if you already have a Real ID in Mississippi
According to the Mississippi Department of Driver Service, about 97% of Mississippi have already obtained REAL IDs.
However, to make sure yours is in compliance:
Look at the upper right corner of your Mississippi driver’s license or ID card.
If there is a gold or black star, your ID is Real ID-compliant.
If there is no star, your ID is not Real ID-compliant and will not be accepted for federal purposes like air travel.
What happens if you don’t have a Real ID by the deadline?
You will not be allowed to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
Additionally, you could face:
Additional screening
Delays
Denied access at TSA checkpoints
In Mississippi, besides a REAL ID-compliant identification, you can use the following forms of ID for federal purposes such as boarding commercial flights or accessing secure federal facilities.
- A valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
- U.S. Military ID card or dependent ID card
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Foreign passport with appropriate authorization
- Other federally recognized ID cards like employment authorization documents
How to get a Real ID in Mississippi:
To get a REAL ID in Mississippi, you need to visit a local Driver’s License Service Bureau in person and bring the following documents:
- Your Social Security card or an official document showing your Social Security number
- A certified copy of your birth certificate
- Two proofs of Mississippi residency (such as utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or other accepted documents)
If you don’t have a Real ID, now is the time to get one to avoid travel disruptions or access issues to federal sites.
Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM.
