Missouri seeking grace period for Real ID license compliance

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is asking for more time to comply with stricter identification requirements under the Real ID Act.

KMBC-TV reported the current extension ends Oct. 10. At issue is a federal law with tougher proof-of-identity requirements needed at airports, some federal facilities and military bases.

Some Missouri lawmakers worried about privacy pushed back against compliance with the federal law for years. But a new Missouri law that took effect in August 2017 will give residents the option to get compliant driver's licenses or other ID cards.

Missouri Department of Revenue officials said they are confident they will get another extension. They expect the state to be compliant with the Real ID Act in March 2019.