GREAT FALLS — Travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board commercial aircraft in the United States as of May 7, 2025.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 which established minimum standards for state-issued identification.
Montana offers residents the option to have a driver's license or ID card that is compliant with the REAL ID Act.
It costs an additional $25 and applicants must show proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of Montana residence, and proof of authorization to be in the United States.
Alternatively, U.S. passports are compliant with the act and can be used if you do not have REAL ID state-issued identification card.
The Montana Department of Justice notes:
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.
Click here to visit the MT DOJ website for more information.
The only alternative forms of ID for visitors to use in conjunction with their non-compliant REAL ID credential include:
- Birth certificate with a raised seal and social security card
- U.S. or foreign Passport/Passport Card
- Veteran’s Health Identification Card
- Transportation Worker Identification Card
