HELENA – In preparation for the Oct. 1 federally enforced deadline for identification changes to fly domestically or enter secure federal facilities, the Montana Department of Justice’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) would like to remind citizens about REAL ID.
REAL ID is an option that can be added to your Montana driver license or identification card for an additional fee. If you add it during your renewal cycle, the cost is an additional $25. Outside the renewal cycle it is $50.00.
While most people have heard of REAL ID, some don’t know how it is different from their current ID. A REAL ID looks like a regular driver license or ID, with a gold star added to the upper right corner to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. The gold star allows security officials to quickly recognize that a person’s identity has been verified, which speeds up security screenings.
“Obtaining a REAL ID is a choice. You don’t need it to vote or drive if you already have a driver license,” said Sarah Garcia, MVD Administrator. “If you don’t travel by air or visit secure federal facilities like courthouses or military bases, you may not need a REAL ID.”
Montanans can also use other forms of identification, such as military ID cards or passports.
If you’re planning on getting a REAL ID, MVD has some tips on how to make the process go smoothly:
• Make an appointment in advance. Appointment times in some parts of the state are booked out six to eight weeks.
• Driver licenses may be renewed within six months of their expiration date, and appointments can be made up to six months in advance.
• Before your appointment, gather all the required documents, making sure they are certified, if required.
• Lastly, don’t forget to bring documents that account for name changes if all documents do not reflect the same name.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment for a REAL ID, visit mtrealid.gov or call MVD’s Customer Care Center at 1-866-450-8034.
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