Changes to Montana Driver's License Regs
January 24, 2019
Montana has received an extension for REAL ID enforcement. A REAL ID is a Montana driver license that meets new standards for identification at federally controlled facilities, such as boarding commercially operated airline flights, and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants (although the law gives gov officials the unlimited authority to require a "federal identification" for any other purposes).
Current Montana driver license/ID cards will be accepted by TSA to board a domestic flight and by federal agents to enter secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020. If you have a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, military ID, or other federally approved identification, you may continue to use this as your form of identification after October 1, 2020, for federal purposes.
For more information visit https://mtrealid.gov/
If you're flying to an international destination, please ensure that your passport is current and that it has 6 months validity remaining beyond your return date or you may be denied boarding at the airport.
When traveling to foreign destinations, those countries may have specific requirements or restrictions for entrance. Please let us know if you are subject to any requirements or restrictions before booking your foreign travel with us.
For travel restrictions and warnings visit this site. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
What is Montana 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.
You are not required to get a Montana REAL ID compliant license or ID card; however, a Montana REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification is required to fly domestically and access federal facilities by October 2020.
While, other options, such as a passport or passport card, are acceptable forms of identification as well. Here are some reasons why choosing to upgrade your Montana license or ID to REAL ID can be beneficial for you…
Why Get a Montana Real ID?
- REAL ID compliant driver licenses and ID cards provide a simple way to maintain access to flights and other areas you may need to visit without the hassle of carrying a passport on you at all times.
- REAL ID compliant credentials create a vetted and secured identification across the United States that also combats identity fraud.
REAL ID creates a standard across the United States to ensure individuals can prove they are legally authorized in the United States, their identity and age, and their residency in the state they are applying for a REAL ID.
