Montana to Begin Issuing REAL ID Compliant Driver Licenses and ID Cards in January 2019

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division announced it will start issuing REAL ID compliant driver licenses and ID cards in January 2019.  Montana residents will have the option of getting a REAL ID compliant or non-compliant driver license or ID card at the time they apply for or renew their existing license or ID.   The REAL ID cards will be distinguished from non-compliant cards by a star in the upper right corner.  Besides not having a start the non-compliant cards will also contain the text: NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES. Montana REAL ID Compliant Driver License The REAL ID Act of 2005 passed by congress set minimum security standards for state issued driver licenses and ID cards.  Montana and 16 other states were issued extensions by the Department of Homeland Security until October 2018 to meet REAL ID compliance.  Beginning in October 2020 a REAL ID driver license or ID card will be required for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal buildings and facilities. For further information on the new Montana driver license and ID card please visit the Montana MVD REAL ID website.