Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and above will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to board a commercial aircraft in the US. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a gold star or a gold circle with a star cutout in the upper right corner. Montana residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by applying in person at an MVD office and providing the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, date of birth, residence address, and lawful status in the US. Alternatively, Montana residents can use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to fly domestically and access federal facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a REAL ID required to fly? | Yes, by May 7, 2025. |
| What other forms of ID are accepted? | A passport or passport card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), a DHS trusted traveler card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe. |
| How can you tell if your ID is REAL ID compliant? | REAL ID-compliant licenses have a gold star or a gold circle with a star cutout in the upper right-hand corner. |
| Who needs to show ID? | All adult passengers 18 and older. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. |
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What You'll Learn
Montana REAL ID-compliant licenses
Montana residents are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. However, starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, will be mandatory to fly domestically and access federal facilities. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which aims to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver's licenses and identification cards to inhibit terrorists' ability to use fraudulent identification.
To obtain a Montana REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must visit the Montana Motor Vehicle Division in person and provide specific documents. These documents include proof of U.S. citizenship, Social Security Number, and Montana residency. Applicants need to know their complete Social Security Number for verification with the Social Security Administration. All documents must be certified, bearing an official stamp or seal from the issuing state. In addition, individuals must provide proof of their full legal name, date of birth, and authorized presence.
The REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will have a gold star in the upper right corner, indicating its compliance and allowing airport and federal officials to identify it quickly. This is the only physical difference between a REAL ID-compliant credential and a non-compliant one. Montana credentials already provide a high level of identity security and fraud deterrence.
It is important to note that REAL IDs do not transfer state-to-state. Minors do not need a REAL ID to fly if accompanied by an adult, but they may still apply for one. Additionally, MVD will accept foreign documents when translated for name change verification. If an individual cannot provide the required documents, they may request "exceptions processing" and submit additional or alternative documentation.
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Passports
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a small star inside a gold circle in the upper right-hand corner. This icon indicates that the ID meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
Montana residents can obtain a REAL ID by visiting the Montana Motor Vehicle Division in person and bringing certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship, Social Security Number, and Montana residency. The cost for a Montana REAL ID is the standard license fee plus $25.
Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. If their identity can be verified through an alternative process, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.
For Montana residents who choose not to obtain a REAL ID, a passport is an acceptable alternative form of identification. Minors do not need a REAL ID or passport to fly if accompanied by an adult. However, they may still apply for a REAL ID if desired.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification, will be required to board a commercial aircraft, access a federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner.
Montana residents are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID. However, a REAL ID-compliant ID, or another acceptable form of identification, will be mandatory for domestic flights and access to federal facilities from May 7, 2025. Alternative options include a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License.
Montana residents can choose to upgrade their standard license or ID to a REAL ID-compliant one. The process and cost are the same as for a traditional license or ID. A REAL ID ensures uninterrupted access to domestic flights and federal facilities.
It is important to note that TSA requirements for acceptable identification are subject to change. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the requirements before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
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DHS trusted traveler cards
Montana residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, which will allow them to fly domestically and access secure federal facilities. These IDs can be obtained through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division and require proof of US citizenship, Social Security Number, and Montana residency. REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs have a small star inside a gold circle in the upper right corner, indicating that they meet federal regulations.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and travellers are encouraged to check the list before their trip to ensure they have acceptable identification. Minors do not need a REAL ID to fly if accompanied by an adult, but they may still apply for one.
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US Department of Defense IDs
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a REAL ID-compliant license or ID.
Montana residents are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID. However, they will need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly domestically and access federal facilities from May 7, 2025.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lists US Department of Defense IDs, including those issued to dependents, as an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints. These are known as DoD Common Access Cards or CACs. The DoD transitioned from the Legacy ID card to the Next Generation USID card in 2020 to increase security and deter fraud. The new USID cards are plastic, unlike the previous paper-based cards. Military retirees and those with legacy USID cards with indefinite expiration dates are encouraged to update their cards at their convenience.
The Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card is available to military retirees, spouses or dependents of service members, and veterans. These IDs prove the holder's identity and connection to the Defense Department and provide access to certain military services and programs. Dependents of former service members must present proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult to be eligible for a military ID. Surviving spouses and eligible children of deceased active-duty members, retired military members, Medal of Honor recipients, and 100% disabled veterans are also eligible for military IDs.
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Frequently asked questions
Montana residents can use a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card. This ID can be obtained from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and has a gold star or a gold circle with a star cutout in the upper right-hand corner.
Other acceptable forms of ID include a passport, passport card, or any other form of ID listed on the TSA website.
By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID to fly domestically and access federal facilities.
To apply for a REAL ID, you will need to provide documents that prove your identity, date of birth, residence address, and lawful status in the US.
