Mississippi Real ID Deadline Approaches: Key Details on Where and When to Obtain Yours by May 7

• The implementation deadline for Real ID is May 7, 2025.
• Real ID is necessary for domestic flights and entry to federal facilities.
• Residents of Mississippi can apply for a Real ID at their local Driver Service Bureau.
• Required documents include your original Social Security card, birth certificate, and two proofs of residency.

The deadline for obtaining a Real ID is rapidly approaching. If you’re planning to fly soon after that date, ensure you update your driver’s license or state ID now to avoid any last-minute issues.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau is offering special Saturday appointments until early May to assist individuals in obtaining their Real IDs on time. These appointments are in addition to regular business hours and are available at select offices.

As of April 1, it was reported that 97.1% of drivers in Mississippi were compliant with REAL ID regulations.

Wondering if you won’t need a Real ID if you don’t fly? It’s worth checking.

Mississippi residents are required to possess a Real ID or passport to fly with commercial airlines and to access military bases or secure federal facilities, as stated by the Driver Service Bureau.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security mandates that individuals without a passport must have a Real ID marking on all state-issued identification cards.

This guideline stems from The Real ID Act of 2005. The implementation, originally set for earlier years, faced delays due to paperwork backlogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know about upgrading to a Real ID in Mississippi, where to schedule a special appointment, and the necessary timeline for finalizing the changes.

What is the deadline for obtaining a Real ID? Is it necessary?

All travelers over 18 years old who do not possess another TSA-accepted form of identification for domestic flights must have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card by May 7, 2025. If you already hold a different TSA-approved form of ID, a Real ID is likely unnecessary.

Where can I acquire a Real ID?

You can obtain a Real ID driver’s license or ID card from your local motor vehicle department. Visit your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office or schedule an appointment online.

All Real IDs will feature a stamp on the right-hand corner to indicate federal compliance. This symbol will differ based on the issuing state, with Mississippi’s symbol being a gold star.

More: How Nissan, Amazon, and others campaigned for a direct Southwest flight from Jackson, MS, to Nashville

What are the special appointment times for obtaining a Real ID in Mississippi?

The Driver Service Bureau will offer special Real ID appointments on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following dates are available: April 12, April 26, and May 3.

While appointments can be scheduled online, walk-ins are also welcomed at the following offices:

• Biloxi.
• Brookhaven.
• Greenwood.
• Hattiesburg West.
• Jackson.
• Meridian.
• Nesbit.
• New Albany.
• Pearl.
• Tupelo.

What documents are required for a Real ID?

As per DHS guidelines, individual state driver’s licensing agencies may have varying documentation requirements.

In Mississippi, you will need to provide the following:

• Your original Social Security card.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Two proofs of residency in Mississippi.

If I do not possess a Real ID, can I still …

The transition to Real ID will not alter all functions of a state-issued ID card. Here’s what will remain unaffected by Real ID in Mississippi.

You can still operate a vehicle, vote, receive medical treatment at hospitals, access the post office, enter federal courts, conduct banking transactions, and apply for or receive federal benefits such as Social Security.

The Driver Service Bureau states that state firearm permits do not qualify as official IDs and will not feature the gold star.

More: Explore the newly designed Mississippi driver’s licenses

Is a Real ID necessary if I already have a passport?

No. Any traveler with a current passport or any other TSA-approved identification is not required to have a Real ID for domestic travel.

I possess special identification. Do I need a Real ID?

Enhanced IDs, which are only available in select states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are recognized as acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.

Other TSA-approved alternatives include:

• State-issued enhanced driver’s license.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
• Border crossing card.
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
• HSPD-12 PIV card.
• Foreign government-issued passport.
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
• Transportation worker identification credential.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Contact her at bbolden@gannett.com.