The deadline for obtaining a "Real ID" is approaching and we are seeing increased traffic in the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court’s birth certificate department. The deadline is May 7, but who actually needs a Real ID?

Do you need to go into a Federal Facility? Some will require you to have the Real ID or have additional information. Will you be traveling on a Domestic flight? Same thing, Real ID or additional information.

You can get the Real ID when you renew your driver’s license but you will need a birth certificate and another form of ID with you Something like an insurance card will work. Your new Louisiana license will have a white star in a gold circle in the upper right corner of your license showing that it is a Real ID.

If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate and were born in Louisiana, we can help. Bring $34 cash, a copy of your photo ID, and fill out the Vital Records form that we have, we can generally have it ready in 15 minutes. With the rush taking place for birth certificates, the last week it has taken a little longer. Sometimes it’s taking up to 2 hours. Hopefully they can catch up at the state office.

If you were born in another state, you will need to contact that state’s Department of Vital Records and order one on line.