The REAL deal

In April, the Montana Department of Justice’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) was formally notified that Montana is in full compliance with the REAL ID Act and regulation.

With this notification, federal agencies and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept all valid Montana driver licenses and ID cards to board domestic commercial flights and access secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020. Beginning October 2020, only Montana licenses and ID cards that are REAL ID compliant will be accepted to board domestic commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities.

REAL ID licenses will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Having a license that is REAL ID compliant is not required to drive, but will be required to board domestic commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities. Extra fees may apply in order to obtain a license or ID card that is REAL ID compliant.

During the 2017 Legislative Session (Senate Bill 366), Montana’s legislature and governor directed MVD to create an optional driver license that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. In January 2019, MVD began issuing compliant credentials for Montanans who choose to obtain them.

“Previously, Montana received two year-long extensions from DHS [Department of Homeland Security] for REAL ID implementation. That was critically important, because it allowed us time to work closely with DHS to ensure full compliance with the law. We acquired the necessary equipment to implement REAL ID, hire and train new staff, and give Montanans the information they need to decide if a REAL ID license or ID is right for them. Receiving the formal notice that we’re a REAL ID compliant state is great news for Montana,” MVD Administrator Sarah Garcia said in a press release

As part of its ongoing efforts to inform the public about REAL ID, MVD launched its mtrealid.gov website, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and allows interested individuals to sign up for MVD appointments to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or ID.

Passport applications are available online as well. They can also be obtained through the Carter County Clerk of Court’s office. Individuals should allow six to eight weeks to obtain them. The process can be expedited (3-4 weeks) for an additional $60.00. REAL ID cards and licenses take about the same time and require the same documents to obtain, but are less expensive than passports.