FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2025
TSA to highlight REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025
Travelers are encouraged to review list of TSA acceptable IDs to use when flying commercial
BOZEMAN, Montana – Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) today reminded the public 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.
To determine if a Montana driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for the gold star in the upper righthand corner. The presence of this star 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.
“With the upcoming federal enforcement of REAL ID exactly four weeks away, I can’t stress enough the importance of travelers being prepared. Take a few minutes now to determine what form of photo identification you will use to verify your identity the next time you travel by air. If you need to apply for a REAL ID from the state of Montana, make plans to do so now,” said TSA Federal Security Director Kc Wurtsbaugh. “Even if you don’t have plans to travel by air now, your plans could change. Now is the time to make a plan.”
“On behalf of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), we would like to remind all travelers that possessing proper identification is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. We strongly encourage travelers to verify they have a valid form of ID ahead of time. This simple step will help ensure a seamless journey,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of BZN Brian Sprenger.
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.
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 SENTRI 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.
The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely
with the transportation, law enforcement and intelligence community to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
