Every applicant brings documents in three categories: proof you're lawfully in the U.S., proof of your full legal name and date of birth, and proof of a Montana address. REAL ID adds a few stricter steps.
Know the rule
The name and birth date on your application must match your primary document and are checked with the Social Security Administration. You must provide your Social Security number.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Proof of authorized presence (examples)
- Original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350)
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign passport with an I-94 record or an unexpired I-551 stamp
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- Permanent resident card (I-551) or employment authorization card
- Digital tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe with a reservation in Montana
Know the rule
A foreign national's presence is verified through the federal SAVE system, and a license for someone temporarily authorized expires no later than their USCIS document.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
To prove full legal name and date of birth, show two documents: two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Primary documents include
- Color photo driver license or ID from a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction, expired no more than four years
- Certified birth certificate from a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card
- Unexpired USCIS documents, such as a permanent resident card
- Current U.S. or Canadian learner permit with your photo and date of birth
Secondary documents include
- Original Social Security card or Canadian social insurance card
- Certified marriage certificate
- U.S. or Canadian license or ID expired more than one year but not more than five years
- Certified court order showing your full legal name and date of birth
- Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance card
- Certified school records, or a Montana-approved driver education completion certificate
Proof of Montana residence (bring one), such as
- U.S. or Montana income tax return for the previous year
- Montana voter registration card
- Current auto or life insurance policy
- Rental agreement or rent receipt signed by the landlord
- Payroll stub, bank statement or utility bill dated within four months
- Statement from a parent or guardian you live with, plus their proof of address
Know the rule
If you don't receive mail at your residence, you must also give a Montana post office box or mailing address. Homeless applicants give a descriptive location, a mailing address, and a social service agency letter.
Handbook p. 16 ↗REAL ID: the three steps
| Step | What you must prove |
|---|---|
| 1 | Legal name, date of birth and authorized presence |
| 2 | Social Security number (full SSN and name shown) |
| 3 | Montana residency (two documents) |
| Additional | Every legal name change back to your original name |
Know the rule
REAL ID residency documents must show your name and current physical address and be unexpired or dated within one year. Both may be the same type, such as two pieces of postmarked first-class mail.
Handbook p. 17 ↗Know the rule
All REAL ID documents must be unaltered; some must be certified by the issuing agency, and MVD must verify some.
Handbook p. 17 ↗Put it into practice
Your birth certificate says Jane Smith, but after marrying you use Jane Lee. For a REAL ID, bring your certified marriage certificate to prove the name change back to the name on your birth certificate.