Deadline to get a Real ID to fly is just months away. Here’s how Kansans can get theirs

The official deadline to get a Real ID to fly in the United States is almost here, 20 years after lawmakers first passed the requirement.

While the deadline has been pushed multiple times, 2025 finally marks the year where travelers must get a drivers license that qualifies as a Real ID — identified by the gold star in the top right corner of the ID.

While driving and purchasing liquor will not require a Real ID, it will be required for both traveling by air and entering federal facilities that require identification. Anyone without one will not be able to do either after May 7, 2025, unless they have a U.S. passport instead or other qualifying federal documentation.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re still without a Real ID in Kansas.

How can I get a Real ID in Kansas?

Real IDs have been issued since 2017, so a lot of people may already have one. But if you still need one, there are a few things you have to do that are different than getting a standard ID.

You will need to provide two proofs of addresses to your local DMV as well as proof of your Social Security number and proof of lawful presence. Proof of lawful presence could be a birth certificate, a U.S. passport or a permanent resident card.

If your name has changed since your last driver’s license was issued, you also have to provide proof of name change — like a marriage certificate or a legal document.

If you’ve renewed your license anytime since 2012 but don’t have the gold star in the corner, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website says there’s a chance they have all the information already on file for you to get a Real ID. There’s an online tool where you can check to see. All you need to do is enter your license number, date of birth, and first and last name. If the website says Kansas has what it needs, visit a driver’s license office, where you can get it upgraded.

It costs an additional $8 to get a Real ID credential added to a license. Driver’s license usually cost $26 to renew.

Here’s a list of the driver’s license offices in Sedgwick County:

• Twin Lakes, 1873 W. 21st St.
• West Wichita, 610 S. Tyler Road
• Derby, 620 North Rock Road

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.