What Is a REAL ID and Do I Need One?
Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly. Here’s how to get one.
Key Takeaways:
- AAA only offers REAL ID services at our five Montana branches: AAA Billings Branch, AAA Bozeman Branch, AAA Helena Branch, AAA Kalispell Branch, AAA Missoula Branch
- Members do not pay a convenience fee for REAL ID services at AAA Montana branches; non-Members pay a $20 convenience fee.
- AAA Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska branches do not offer REAL ID services.
- By May 7, 2025, all residents of U.S. states and territories are required to have a REAL ID or passport in order to board a flight, access some federal buildings and military bases, and enter a nuclear power plant.
Your current driver’s license or identification card may serve you well right now, but new state-issued IDs are coming soon. Wherever you live, you’ll want to get a REAL ID to make sure you can continue to travel freely: Starting in May 2025, residents of all U.S. states and territories must have a REAL ID or valid passport to board any commercial flight.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is any state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets new U.S. federal security standards. These standards were set in 2005, when Congress passed the REAL ID Act. The federal rules aim to help ensure that the person presenting a state ID card is actually who he or she claims to be. For example, the new card is difficult to fake; yours might have anti-counterfeiting features such as a hologram. REAL IDs are typically marked with a star in the upper portion of the card; the star on the California REAL ID, for example, is on the bear in the top right corner.
How do I get a Real ID?
To apply for a REAL ID, you’ll need to visit an ID-issuing agency, typically your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Transportation, or Motor Vehicles Division.
Along with your application, you will be asked to provide:
- Proof of your identity, such as a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form.
- Proof of your social security number, such as your social security card, or a W-2 form or paycheck stub that includes your social security number.
- Two documents that contain your home address, such as your rental agreement, mortgage, or utility bill. The forms must list your first and last name and match the residential address you provide on your application.
Why do I need a REAL ID?
You’ll need a REAL ID—which meets new U.S. federal security standards—so you can continue to travel freely. A REAL ID is more secure because it’s difficult to counterfeit.
By May 7, 2025, residents of U.S. states and territories must have a REAL ID, valid passport, or U.S. military identification to:
- Board a commercial flight.
- Access some federal buildings and military bases.
- Enter nuclear power plants.
Can I get a REAL ID at AAA?
At AAA branches in Montana, you can apply to replace your existing driver’s license with a REAL ID, replace a missing REAL ID, or renew an existing REAL ID. Make sure to bring the appropriate documents with you in order to complete your application.
Visit a your local Montana branch:
Members do not pay a convenience fee for REAL ID services at AAA Montana branches; non-Members pay a $20 convenience fee.
AAA does not offer REAL ID services at Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska branches at this time.