TSA officials advise residents to plan ahead to get Montana Real ID

KALISPELL, Mont. — In just under 17 months people won't be able to use their driver's license to fly or get into any federal building or military base unless they have a Real ID-compliant license.

Montana residents will need a Real ID-compliant license in October 2020 if they want to still use their driver's license to fly.

"It has features that are different than a standard driver's license. The No. 1 clue is in the upper right-hand corner, there would be a yellow circle with a white star in that," said TSA public affairs representative Lorie Dankers.

Residents can use another approved form of identification like a passport, permanent resident card and more, but it's not just flying people will need a Real ID for.

"But also federal buildings will require that -- military installations, nuclear sites," said Dankers.

The process is different to get a Real ID versus a regular Montana driver’s license. For a Real ID you will need to apply in person and provide certain documentation to prove U.S citizenship, Social Security number and Montana residency.

"Because behind the Real ID Act is we want to make sure you are who you say you are and providing that documentation does that," Dankers told NBC Montana.

Montana Vehicle Division Drivers’ Services bureau chief Michele Snowberger said over 12,000 people have already gotten a Real ID since January. Of those, about 4,000 people got the Real ID when they went to renew their license. About 8,000 were for another reason, either new drivers, out-of-state transfers, or they just wanted a Real ID.

The cost for a Real ID is the standard license fee plus $25.

"It's up to people to decide what they do want to use," Dankers said.

Snowberger said she expects the DMV could get busier closer to the deadline, that's why they say people should start planning for a Real ID now if they want to use their license to fly.

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