REAL ID-Star Kansas Real ID

The REAL ID Act was passed by federal lawmakers in 2005 to enact the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation for a “set standard for the issuance of sources of identification.” This established a minimum security standard for state-issued driver’s licenses. At this time, if you already have the REAL ID indicator on your Kansas credential, you will not be required to present those documents again to keep that on your credential.

Please note: This is subject to change.

Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

In addition, a REAL ID will be required to enter federal facilities where identification is currently required for entrance.

Courts, Post Offices, Social Security offices do not require identification for entrance, so they are exempt.

Kansas began issuing REAL ID credentials in August 2017. REAL ID is not a required credential but will help ease the check-in process when flying or entering a federally protected facility.

What Does a Real ID Credential Look Like?

REAL ID-SAMPLE

REAL ID COMPLIANT
(CREDENTIAL HAS A GOLD STAR IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER)

NOT FOR FEDERAL USE-REAL ID SAMPLE

NOT FOR FEDERAL USE
(CREDENTIAL FOR PEOPLE NOT WANTING REAL ID)

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT REAL ID?
CONTACT US.

785-296-3671
or
KDOR_DL@KS.GOV

Transportation Security Administration:
866-289-9673

Find your Real ID Document Status with a Driver’s License Status Check!

The Division of Vehicles began requesting and scanning documents from Kansas residents since 2012. If you have renewed your license in the years 2012 through 2017, your documentation may already be on file and ready for you to visit an office to receive a Real ID. Find out if your documents are on file by getting a driver’s license status check.

Once you enter your information into the status check portal, there is a section titled Real ID.

  • If it says yes, the Department has the information needed for you to receive Real ID. If you do not have it on your license, simply visit a driver’s license office for the upgrade.
  • If it says no, you will need to bring the information requested in the Real ID checklist to a driver's license office.

You can visit your driver’s license office up to one year in advance of your license or identification expiring.

Click the following button to get a status check.

DRIVER LICENSE STATUS CHECK

What Documents do I Need to Bring to Receive a Real ID?

1.) You will need to provide proof of lawful presence.
Please select ONE from the list below:

  • State Issued Birth Certificate
  • Unexpired U.S. Passport
  • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)

2.) You must provide proof of your Social Security Number.
Please select ONE document from the list below:

  • Social Security Card
  • Current W-2 or 1099 showing full Social Security Number
  • Current pay stub showing full Social Security Number

3.) You MUST provide two proofs of current Kansas residential address. Proof must be dated within the last year.
Junk mail or personal letters will not be accepted.

The following are examples of documents that can be used to prove Kansas residency:

  • Rent or Lease Agreement
  • Renewal Postcard
  • Vehicle Registration
  • Utility Bill
  • Financial Institution Documents (Bank Statement, Deed, or Mortgage)

4.) If your name is different than documents in number one above, (due to adoption, marriage, divorce, court ordered name change, or is not the same on all of your documents) you MUST provide proof of the name change.

The following are a few documents that will be accepted to prove a legal name change:

  • Certified State Issued Marriage Certificate
  • Court Ordered Divorce Decree
  • Any Court Ordered or Legal Name Change Documents
  • Legal Adoption Paperwork

PLEASE NOTE: DOCUMENTS PRESENTED MUST BE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPIES.
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

You can order certified vital records through the Office of Vital Statistics at http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/index.html


Real ID Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view the Real ID frequently asked questions.