St. Joseph License Office sees surge before REAL ID Deadline

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The REAL ID Deadline for Missouri is just one week away and residents could see longer wait times at the St. Joseph License Office. 

Outside of the St. Joseph License Office, residents have shown up at certain times of the day, aiming to beat the rush. 

“I tried to get here about lunchtime, hoping everyone was out getting lunch at this time,” said St. Joseph resident Ronald Miller. 

The deadline to purchase a REAL ID is Wednesday, May 7, otherwise, those without a REAL ID won't be able to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings.

Those without a REAL ID will be at risk for being stopped by TSA, where you'll be prompted to present other documents to prove citizenship.

News-Press NOW spent time talking with Miller outside the St. Joseph License Office, who soon discovered, his license was marked as “Not For Real ID Purposes."

Miller, who is an OTR truck driver said, instead of going through the hassle of waiting in the long lines, he’ll likely use another form of transportation to travel, other than airlines. 

“I just got off a flight because some of these trucking companies will easily fly you from point A to point B,” Miller said. “But if I have to go through all the hassle after May 7, I’ll just hop on a Greyhound to get where I need to go.” 
 
Resident Tyler Mendez, was among the many others waiting in line at St. Joseph to get his REAL ID before traveling for work in a few weeks. 

“I'm getting ready to fly down to Florida on the 19th for work,” Mendez said. “I’m a little behind but I had to get this done soon.” 
 
Despite the long wait times, depending on when patrons visit the DMV, Miller said he got through with no problem, having the right documents. 

“I know a lot of people were upset about the process but that’s mainly because they're not bringing the required documents,” Mendez said. “Overall, it wasn't a terribly long process. I just had to pull up some bills and different stuff to prove my address.” 

Starting May 7, 2025, all residents of U.S. states and territories must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card—or another form of identification approved by the Transportation Security Administration—to board federally regulated domestic flights. 

More information about the Missouri REAL ID and requirements to obtain one can be found at, https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/real-id/.