Louisiana residents flying out of Louis Armstrong International Airport can now show their mobile drivers’ licenses or ID cards in LA Wallet with REAL ID to pass through TSA. Governor Jeff Landry says this is just the beginning, adding, “[b]y the end of the year, we are hoping that all airports in Louisiana, uh, will be able to use LA Wallet as those passengers go through those airports. And hopefully, the rest of the country will follow suit.”
Though Louisiana is the eighth state to adopt digital IDs, Landry is optimistic Louisiana airports will pave the way for contactless travel.
“I look forward to going though TSA today with the First Lady and [Louisiana OMV Commissioner Dan] Casey and the mayor [of New Orleans LaToya Cantrell], and to show all of Louisiana how this is one place where Louisiana is actually leading,” he said during a press conference at Louis Armstrong this morning.
LA Wallet with REAL ID is accepted at 27 airports across the country, including MSY, as an alternative to presenting a physical photo ID and boarding pass. After a traveler scans their LA Wallet, the TSA reader at the security checkpoint will take that traveler’s photo. Once the system confirms the traveler’s identity, a TSA officer will verify the match and send the traveler to security screening. The OMV says travelers’ photos and personal information is deleted after each transaction and is not shared with other entities, including law enforcement.
OMV is also reminding everyone that a REAL ID will be needed to fly domestically after May 7, 2025.
