REAL ID FAQs

 Yes — starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID (or another federally approved ID like a passport or military ID) to:

• Board domestic flights
  
• Enter federal buildings
  
• Access military bases

 Check the upper right-hand corner of your license. If it includes a yellow star, it’s REAL ID-compliant. If it says “Not for Federal Identification Purposes”, then it’s a standard license that won’t be accepted for federal use after the deadline.

 Yes — for identification and driving purposes. However, beginning May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer be accepted to fly domestically or enter federal facilities unless you present a passport or other federal ID.

 You can get a REAL ID at driver’s license stations across Montana, including MVD Express in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls. Just bring the correct documents and we’ll help you through the process quickly and efficiently.

 Yes — you can opt for a standard Montana license, which is not REAL ID-compliant. Just note that it won’t allow you to board flights or access federal buildings after the 2025 deadline.

Montana does not currently issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), which some other states use as REAL ID alternatives.

 You’ll need to bring:

• One document proving your full legal name, date of birth, and authorized presence (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, unexpired passport)
  
• One document showing your full Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form)
  
• Two documents showing Montana residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
  
• One document per name change, if applicable (e.g., certified marriage certificate or court order)
  

Need more help? Visit our REAL ID information page or call one of our locations today!

 If the name on your ID documents doesn’t match your current legal name, you’ll need to show official proof of the change. Acceptable documents include:

• Certified marriage certificate or license
  
• Divorce decree
  
• Court-ordered name change
  
• Certificate of citizenship with name change