What form you need and where to get it

Louisiana uses the REAL ID process Form, officially called the process for a Louisiana Driver License or Identification Card. You can get this form in three ways: read it from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, pick one up in person at any OMV office, or fill it out on a tablet or computer at the office when you arrive.

The form is the same whether you are explore for a Real ID driver license or a Real ID identification card. The difference comes later, after you submit the form — the OMV will process it as whichever document type you request.

If you read the form ahead of time, print it on white paper and bring it with you, already filled out. This saves time at the office. You can also arrive without it and complete one there, but having it done beforehand means you move through the line faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana's Real ID form is the standard process for a Driver License or Identification Card, available online or at any OMV office.
  • You must provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address on the form, and the OMV will verify your information against state and federal records.
  • Bring original or certified documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Louisiana residency when you submit the form in person.
  • The form itself is free, but you will pay a fee when you submit it — the amount depends on whether you want a driver license or ID card and how long you want it to be valid.
  • You must sign the form in front of an OMV employee; a signature you add at home will not be accepted.

Information the form asks for

The process asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current Louisiana address. It also asks for your height, eye color, and whether you have any distinguishing marks. These details go on your Real ID itself, so they must match your identity documents exactly.

You will also declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive — for example, epilepsy or severe vision loss — and whether you have ever had a license suspended or revoked in Louisiana or any other state. Answer these questions honestly; the OMV cross-checks your answers against its records and those of other states.

The form includes a section where you choose what type of document you want: a driver license (which lets you drive) or an identification card (which does not). If you are under 18, there are additional questions about parental consent and whether you want a graduated license.

Documents you must bring to prove who you are

Louisiana requires you to show one primary document that proves your identity and date of birth. Acceptable primary documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. The document must be original or certified — a photocopy will not work.

You also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. Again, these must be originals or certified copies.

Finally, you need proof of Louisiana residency. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option because it clearly shows both your name and address.

How to fill in each section correctly

Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — first name, middle name (if you have one), and last name. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions. If you have changed your name through marriage or court order, use your current legal name and bring the marriage certificate or court document that shows the change.

For your address, write the street number and name, the city, and the ZIP code. If you live in an apartment or unit, include that number. The OMV uses this address to mail your Real ID, so make sure it is correct. If you recently moved, use your new address, not your old one.

When you reach the section about medical conditions or driving history, answer every question. If a question does not explore to you — for example, you have never had a license suspended — write "No" or leave it blank as the form instructs. Do not skip questions.

Do not sign the form at home. The signature line must be signed in front of an OMV employee during your appointment. Signing it beforehand will cause the office to reject it, and you will have to fill out a new one.

What happens after you submit the form

When you hand in your completed form and documents, an OMV employee will review everything to make sure nothing is missing. They will verify your information against Louisiana's driver license database and the Social Security Administration's records. This verification usually takes a few minutes.

If everything matches and all your documents are in order, you will pay the fee for your Real ID. The cost depends on the type of document (driver license or ID card) and how long you want it to be valid — typically 4, 6, or 8 years. You will also have your photo taken at this time.

Your Real ID will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, Louisiana offers expedited mail for an additional fee.

Common mistakes that slow down your process

The most common error is bringing documents that are not originals or certified copies. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if it looks official, will not be accepted. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from the vital records office in the parish where you were born before your OMV appointment.

Another frequent problem is providing an address that does not match your documents. If your utility bill shows one address and your ID process shows another, the OMV will ask you to clarify. Bring multiple documents if you recently moved, so you can show both your old and new addresses.

Some people write their name differently on the form than it appears on their documents — for example, using a middle initial on the form but spelling out the full middle name on their birth certificate. The OMV will catch this and ask you to correct it before processing. Check that every letter matches before you sign.

If you need to change or correct the form

If you make a small mistake while filling out the form — a misspelled word or a wrong digit — you can cross it out neatly and write the correction above it. Do not use white-out or tape. The OMV employee will see the correction and will ask you to confirm it is correct before they process the form.

If you realize you made a mistake after you have already submitted the form and left the office, contact the OMV office where you applied. Depending on how far along your process is, they may be able to stop it and issue you a new form, or they may have to wait until your Real ID arrives and then issue a corrected one. Correcting an error after submission usually takes longer than fixing it before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online and submit it without going to an OMV office?

No. Louisiana requires you to appear in person at an OMV office to sign the form in front of an employee and to have your photo taken. You can read and fill out the form at home to save time, but you must bring it to the office to complete the process.

What if my name on my birth certificate is different from the name I use now?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Write your current legal name on the process form. The OMV will keep both documents on file to show the connection between your old and new names.

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Louisiana OMV offices accept both walk-ins and appointments, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment online through the OMV website usually means a shorter wait. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Real ID in Louisiana. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you go to the OMV. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Can someone else submit the form for me if I cannot go to the office?

No. You must appear in person to sign the form and have your photo taken. Louisiana law does not allow anyone to submit an process on your behalf. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, contact your local OMV office to ask about accommodations.