What "Not for Federal Identification" means
A Louisiana driver's license marked "Not for Federal Identification" cannot be used to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access other facilities that require federal ID. The Department of Homeland Security does not accept it as proof of identity for these purposes. You can still use it to drive, buy age-restricted items, and prove your identity in most everyday situations — but any transaction that specifically requires federal identification will be turned down.
This marking appears on licenses issued to people who did not provide proof of lawful presence in the United States when they applied. Louisiana issues these licenses under a state law that allows non-citizens to obtain a driver's license for driving purposes only, without meeting the Real ID Act requirements. The marking is a legal requirement that tells federal agencies and businesses the license does not meet federal standards.
Key Takeaways
- A "Not for Federal Identification" license cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or pass TSA checkpoints.
- The marking appears when you did not provide proof of lawful presence — such as a birth certificate, passport, or visa — during your process.
- You can still use the license to drive, rent a car, and prove your identity for most non-federal purposes.
- If you become a U.S. citizen or obtain lawful permanent resident status, you can explore for a Real ID-compliant license without the marking.
- Louisiana does not charge extra for a "Not for Federal Identification" license; it is the standard license for applicants who cannot provide proof of lawful presence.
Why the marking appears on your license
Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles issues "Not for Federal Identification" licenses under state law that allows non-citizens to drive legally. When you explore for a license, the OMV asks for proof of lawful presence — documents like a U.S. birth certificate, passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. If you cannot provide one of these documents, you can still receive a driver's license, but it will carry the "Not for Federal Identification" marking.
This marking is not a penalty or a reflection of your character. It is a legal statement that your license does not meet the Real ID Act standard, which requires proof of lawful presence in the United States. The Real ID Act is a federal law passed in 2005 that set minimum security and identity-verification standards for state driver's licenses and ID cards used for federal purposes.
What you cannot do with this license
You cannot use a "Not for Federal Identification" license to board a domestic airplane. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agents at airport security checkpoints will not accept it. You will need a passport, passport card, or other federal ID instead. This applies to all U.S. domestic flights, including flights within Louisiana.
You also cannot use it to enter federal buildings that require ID verification, such as federal courthouses, federal office buildings, or military installations. Federal agencies and contractors are required by law to reject licenses marked "Not for Federal Identification" for entry purposes.
Some private businesses and institutions also refuse these licenses for age verification or identity purposes, particularly banks, casinos, and venues that follow strict federal compliance rules. Always carry a passport or passport card as a backup form of federal ID if you need to travel or access federal facilities.
What you can still do with this license
You can use a "Not for Federal Identification" license to drive anywhere in the United States. It is a valid driver's license for all driving purposes. You can also use it to rent a car, though the rental company may ask for additional ID or may have their own policies about which licenses they accept.
You can use it to prove your identity for most everyday purposes — opening a bank account, buying age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco, proving your age at a store or restaurant, and obtaining a library card. Many private businesses do not check whether a license is Real ID-compliant; they only need to verify your identity and age.
You can also use it as one piece of identification when explore for jobs, housing, or other services. Employers and landlords typically do not require federal ID unless the job or housing involves federal contracts or security clearances.
How to get a Real ID-compliant license without the marking
If you become a U.S. citizen or obtain lawful permanent resident status, you can explore for a new Louisiana driver's license without the "Not for Federal Identification" marking. You will need to visit an OMV office in person and bring proof of your new status — a naturalization certificate for citizens, or a permanent resident card (green card) for lawful permanent residents.
The process is the same as renewing your license. You will fill out the process form, pay the license fee (which varies depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), and have your photo taken. There is no extra charge for a Real ID-compliant license. Processing typically takes a few minutes if you are at an OMV office, though you may receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
If you are not yet a citizen or permanent resident but are working toward that status, you can also explore for a Real ID-compliant license if you have an employment authorization document (EAD) or another form of lawful presence documentation that Louisiana accepts. Check the OMV website or call your local office to confirm which documents may have access to.
Other options for federal identification
If you need federal ID for travel or federal building access, you do not have to wait for a Real ID-compliant driver's license. You can obtain a U.S. passport or passport card from the U.S. State Department. A passport is accepted for all federal purposes and for international travel. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel.
You can also explore for a REAL ID-compliant state ID card from Louisiana's OMV if you do not drive. This is a non-driver ID that meets federal standards, and you can obtain one if you have proof of lawful presence. The process and fees are similar to obtaining a driver's license.
Military personnel and federal employees may also be issued federal ID cards that serve as proof of identity for federal purposes. If you work for the federal government or are active military, check with your employer about what ID options are available to you.
Traveling with a "Not for Federal Identification" license
You cannot use a "Not for Federal Identification" license to board a domestic flight. If you need to fly within the United States, bring a passport, passport card, or other federal ID instead. TSA will not make exceptions, even if you explain your situation.
For international travel, you will need a passport regardless of your license status. A passport is the only document that proves your citizenship or lawful presence to foreign countries and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
If you are driving to another state, your "Not for Federal Identification" license is valid for driving purposes in all 50 states. However, if you plan to enter federal buildings, national parks with federal facilities, or other federal property during your trip, bring a passport or passport card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly domestically with a "Not for Federal Identification" license?
No. TSA will not accept it at airport security. You must bring a passport, passport card, or other federal ID to board a domestic flight. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Does "Not for Federal Identification" mean I am not a legal resident?
It means you did not provide proof of lawful presence when you applied for your license. Lawful presence includes U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, valid visa status, and other federal immigration categories. The marking does not determine your immigration status — only that you did not document it to the OMV.
Can I change my license to remove the "Not for Federal Identification" marking?
Yes, if you obtain proof of lawful presence. This includes becoming a U.S. citizen, obtaining a green card, or getting an employment authorization document. Return to an OMV office with your new documentation and explore for a replacement license.
Will my "Not for Federal Identification" license expire?
Yes. Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age. When you renew, you will receive another license with the same marking unless you provide proof of lawful presence at that time.
Can I use this license to rent a car?
Most rental car companies will accept it, but some may refuse or require additional ID. Call ahead to ask about the rental company's policy before you arrive. Having a passport card as backup is a good idea.