Assembling the required REAL ID documents is a 3-step process for most customers
- Step 1: Prove your *full legal name and *date of birth & *authorized presence
- Step 2 : Document ALL name changes
- Step 3: Prove your Montana residency
- Please know your complete social security number so it can be verified with the Social Security Administration
Step 1
Name, Date of Birth & Authorized Presence
Provide ONE Document
- * Government Certified US birth certificate (cannot be a photocopy or picture)
- Consular report of birth abroad
- Valid unexpired US Passport and be verified by USPVS
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, form I-551
Don’t have one of the above documents? Go to Step 1A
*Note: Certified birth certificates have an official stamp or seal from the state or county where it was issued. Hospital-issued birth certificates are NOT accepted.
Step 2
Document Name Change(s)
Provide ONE Document per Name Change
- *Government Certified marriage license
- Government Certified certificate of marriage
- Court Certified dissolution of marriage
- Court Certified divorce decree
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Court order granting name change
- See checklist for more
Note: When your current legal name doesn’t match the documents you submit, you must prove ALL legal name changes. MVD cannot accept an affidavit of common law marriage. MVD will accept foreign documents when translated.
*A certified document has an official stamp or seal from the state where it was issued. Church-issued marriage certificates, for example, are NOT accepted.
Step 3
Montana Residency
Provide TWO Documents (may be the same type)
- Valid Montana credential
- Utility bill
- Phone bill
- School transcript or report card
- Vehicle registration or title
- First-class mail with postmark
- Rental agreement or rent receipt
- See checklist for more
Note: All documents that you provide must have your name and current physical address (a PO Box is NOT accepted) displayed on the document and be either unexpired or dated within one year.
Additional
Document Tips
- You do not need to show proof of your Social Security Number (SSN); however, you need to know your SSN so it can be verified at the time of your appointment. The name on file with the Social Security Administration must match your current legal name.
- All documents must be unaltered, and some documents must be certified by the issuing agency. MVD must verify some documents through various systems
- Minors do not need a REAL ID to fly if accompanied by an adult; however, they may still apply for a REAL ID. Additional information on establishing a minor’s residency is available.
- When providing proof of name changes, MVD will accept foreign documents when translated. Additional information is available on the requirements for a translated document.
- If you are unable to provide a required document, you may request “exceptions processing” for MVD approval. You must complete a form, have a good reason for the exception, and give additional or alternative documentation.
Step 1
Name, Date of Birth & Authorized Presence
Provide ONE Document
- Certified US birth certificate (cannot be a photocopy or picture)
- Consular report of birth abroad
- Valid unexpired US Passport and be verified by USPVS
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, form I-551
Don’t have one of the above documents? Go to Step 1A
Step 2
Document Name Change(s)
Provide ONE Document for each name change during your lifetime
- Certified marriage license
- Certified certificate of marriage
- Certified dissolution of marriage decree
- Certified divorce decree
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Court order granting name change
- See checklist for more
Note: When your current legal name doesn’t match the documents you submit, you must prove ALL legal name changes. MVD cannot accept an affidavit of common law marriage. MVD will accept foreign documents when translated.
A certified document has an official stamp or seal from the state where it was issued. Church-issued marriage certificates are NOT accepted.
Step 3
Montana Residency
Provide TWO Documents (may be the same type)
- Valid Montana credential
- Utility bill
- Phone bill
- School transcript or report card
- Vehicle registration or title
- First-class mail with postmark
- Rental agreement or rent receipt
- See checklist for more
Note: All documents that you provide must have your name and physical address (a PO Box is NOT accepted) displayed on the document and be either unexpired or dated within one year.
Additional
Know your Social Security Number
You do not need to show proof of your Social Security Number (SSN); however, you need to know your SSN so it can be verified at the time of your appointment. The name on file with the Social Security Administration must match your current legal name.
Step 1a
Name & Date of Birth
Provide ONE Document
- Valid unexpired out-of-state REAL ID driver license
- Valid unexpired out-of-state REAL ID identification card
- Form I-766 or Form I-688B unexpired employment authorization document
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired Us employment authorization document, accompanied by form I-94 or I-551 stamp
Step 1A Cont.
Authorized Presence
Provide TWO Documents (may not be the same type)
- Valid unexpired out-of-state REAL ID driver license or ID card
- Form I-766 or Form I-688B unexpired employment authorization document
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired Us employment authorization document, accompanied by form I-94 or I-551 stamp
- Documentation issued by a federal agency demonstrating authorized status