Is it time to get real?
The REAL ID deadline has been extended until May 7, 2025.
You are not required to get a Montana REAL ID compliant license or ID; however, a Montana REAL ID compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification is required to fly domestically and access federal facilities by May 7, 2025. Alternative options, such as a passport or passport card, are acceptable forms of identification.
What will I need to do to get a Real ID?
You will need to know your complete social security number so it can be verified with the Social Security Administration
Make sure your documents are certified. Look for an official stamp or seal from the state it was issued.
Real ID does not transfer state-to-state. All applicants must provide the required documentation.
Prove your full legal name, date of birth, and authorized presence
Provide ONE Document
- Government Certified* US birth certificate (cannot be a photocopy or picture)
- Consular report of birth abroad
- Valid unexpired US Passport and be verified by USPVS
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, form I-551
*Note: Certified birth certificates have an official stamp or seal from the state or county where it was issued. Hospital-issued birth certificates are NOT accepted.
Document ALL name changes
Provide ONE Document per Name Change
- Government Certified* marriage license
- Government Certified* certificate of marriage
- Court Certified* dissolution of marriage
- Court Certified* divorce decree
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Court order granting name change
- See checklist for more
Note: When your current legal name doesn’t match the documents you submit, you must prove ALL legal name changes. MVD cannot accept an affidavit of common law marriage. MVD will accept foreign documents when translated.
*A certified document has an official stamp or seal from the state where it was issued.
Church-issued marriage certificates, for example, are NOT accepted.
Prove your Montana residency
Provide TWO Documents (may be the same type)
- Valid Montana credential
- Utility bill
- Phone bill
- School transcript or report card
- Vehicle registration or title
- First-class mail with postmark
- Rental agreement or rent receipt
- See checklist for more
Note: All documents that you provide must have your name and current physical address (a PO Box is NOT accepted) displayed on the document and be either unexpired or dated within one year.
Additional Document Tips
- You do not need to show proof of your Social Security number (SSN); however, you need to know your SSN so it can be verified at the time of your appointment. The name on file with the Social Security Administration must match your current legal name.
- All documents must be unaltered, and some documents must be certified by the issuing agency. MVD must verify some documents through various systems.
- Minors do not need a REAL ID to fly if accompanied by an adult; however, they may still apply for a REAL ID. Additional information on establishing a minor’s residency is available.
- When providing proof of name changes, MVD will accept foreign documents when translated. Additional information is available on the requirements for a translated document.
- If you are unable to provide a required document, you may request “exceptions processing” for MVD approval. You must complete a form, have a good reason for the exception, and give additional or alternative documentation.
Does a Real ID look different?
REAL ID
REAL ID compliant driver licenses and ID cards have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of the license to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. This is the only physical difference from a non-compliant credential, but it allows airport and federal officials to quickly identify the card.
Standard ID
Montana credentials already provide a high level of identity security and fraud deterrence. The only physical difference with non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards, issued after January 2019, is the text, “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES,” in the upper right-hand corner.
$25
How much does it cost to add REAL ID?
Adding a REAL ID to your driver license or ID is one flat fee - $25 - in addition to the license fee.