How to Get a REAL ID

Most travelers know the airport routine: Before you enter the security checkpoint, you show your boarding pass and a picture ID. It’s the law—and it’s about to get stricter.

By May 7, 2025, all states will need to comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. If you want to board a commercial flight (or enter some federal buildings and military bases) after May 7, 2025, you’ll need to present a Real ID card or its equivalent, such as a valid passport or U.S. military identification.

The differences between REAL IDs and older forms of identification? The new cards incorporate new security features and can only be issued after applicants provide documentary proof of their identity.

Now's the time to make your appointment and complete the REAL ID process. Luckily, AAA Montana branches—AAA Billings Branch, AAA Bozeman Branch, AAA Helena Branch, AAA Kalispell Branch, and AAA Missoula Branch—offer REAL ID services. At these Montana branches, you can fill out an application to:

• Replace your existing driver’s license with a REAL ID.
• Replace a missing REAL ID.
• Renew an existing REAL ID.

AAA does not offer REAL ID services at Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska branches at this time. If you live in these states, you will need to appear in person at your state motor vehicle office. There, you’ll need to provide proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), evidence of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents attesting to your home address (a rental agreement, utility bill, or something similar); the residential addresses on the latter must all match. To learn more about the requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website.