MISSOULA, Montana – Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Missoula International Airport (MSO) today reminded the traveling public in western Montana that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft. Enforcement of REAL ID is less than one week away.
To determine if a Montana driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for the gold circle with the star cutout in the upper righthand corner. The presence of this icon indicates the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification.
“REAL ID enforcement will begin on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. While some were expecting and hoping for a delay in the enforcement of the REAL ID requirements, that will not happen,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Montana Kc Wurtsbaugh. “For those who have not secured a REAL ID credential from the state of Montana, you have options. TSA accepts multiple forms of photo ID. Now is the time to determine if you can use of these alternate forms to verify your identity the next time you travel.”
“We have been working closely with TSA as it has prepared for the enforcement of REAL ID at airports in Montana and nationwide. We are confident that security screening operations will go smoothly as we move into this next phase of identity verification for travelers,” said MSO Airport Director Brian Ellestad.
Passengers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL-ID compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID. Travelers who are not prepared for REAL ID enforcement should plan to arrive at the airport early and may receive additional screening.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or NEXUS card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
Montana began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials in January 2019. To get a REAL ID-compliant credential, you must apply in person at an MVD office and bring the federally required documents that prove your identity, date of birth, residence address (two proofs of address from two different sources) and lawful status in the U.S. To check for REAL ID appointment availability, please visit https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/. It may take up to three weeks to receive your REAL ID card in the mail, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper card given at the DMV. Montanans are encouraged to make sure they have REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of identification accepted by TSA in advance of any upcoming flight.
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.
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