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About REAL ID
What it means for you
- If it’s time to renew your driver license or ID, you can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for no additional fee (if the upgrade takes place at the same time as your renewal).
- If your current driver license or ID will not expire before 2023, and you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, the cost of a duplicate card will apply.
- Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The cards look similar; REAL ID-compliant are marked with a µ, while non-compliant cards are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.” Should you choose to continue to hold a non-compliant card, you will need another form of identification to board a plane or access federal sites.
- If you have a valid U.S. passport or another acceptable form of federal identification, you can use that for identification, in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card. View list of Transportation Safety Administration approved documents.
What should I bring to DMV to get a REAL ID?
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you must present additional documentation when you apply. Original document or certified copy (not a photocopy, fax or scan) from each category is required. Some documents may be used for more than one category, whereas some will only satisfy the requirements of a single category. The document categories include:
- Proof of Name and Date of Birth
- Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S.
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Name Change (if your name is different than what’s on your birth certificate, proof is needed for each name change)
- Proof of Address (two forms)
- Provide your Social Security Number
Use DMV’s interactive driver licensing guide to receive a personalized checklist of the required documents you will need to bring. It also allows you to pre-fill any required application(s), print and bring with you or submit electronically (if eligible). You may also be able to schedule an appointment for the DMV for faster service.
- Documentation
- Renewal information
- Check your status
- Reinstatement eligibility and requirements
- Getting a driver license
- New residents
Beginning May 3, 2023, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, permit, or identification card will be required to board commercial airplanes or enter certain federal facilities. A Real ID is indicated by the star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license, permit, or state identification card. To obtain a Real ID, Hoosiers must visit a BMV branch and provide the following documentation from each of the below categories:Required Documents to Obtain a Real ID
ONE proof of identity is required.
The most common documents you can use to prove your identity include:
- United States birth certificate. Must be an original or certified copy filed with a U.S. state or territory office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in your state of birth. Puerto Rican-born citizens must provide a birth certificate issued on or after July 1, 2010.
- Unexpired United States passport.
- Foreign passport with a visa and I-94 form.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad is only issued to citizens that are under 18 years of age.
Have you ever changed your name? Proving a name change is an important part of proving your identity. Whether it is through adoption, marriage, divorce, a court order or other means you are required to show proof of you name change through legal documents. Here is some more information:
If your current legal name, date of birth, or gender is different from what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes made.
Acceptable documents supporting a change include:
NAME
More than one name change document may be required if name changes have occurred.
- Adoption papers.
- Marriage license.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth.
- An original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name.
DATE OF BIRTH
- Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth.
- An original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change in date of birth.
GENDER
- A certified, amended birth certificate; or
- A Physician’s Statement of Gender Change; or
- A physician’s signed and dated statement, on letterhead, that includes the language from 140 IAC 7-1.1-3 “<insert customer’s name> successfully underwent all treatment necessary to permanently change <insert customer’s name> gender from <insert prior gender> to <insert new gender>.”
ONE proof of lawful status is required. In most cases, the document presented to prove your identity will also prove your lawful status in the United States.
The most common documents used to prove your lawful status include:
- United States birth certificate. Must be an original or certified copy filed with a U.S. state or territory office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in your state of birth. Puerto Rican-born citizens must provide a birth certificate issued on or after July 1, 2010.
- Unexpired United States passport.
- Unexpired Foreign passport with a visa and I-94 form.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
ONE proof of social security is required.
The full SSN MUST be displayed on the document for it to be accepted. The most common documents you can use to prove your social security include:
- Social Security card.
- W-2 form.
- SSA-1099 form.
- Non-SSA-1099 form.
- Pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it.
- Social Security Administration documents establishing that you are ineligible for a Social Security number.
TWO printed documents proving your Indiana residency are required. Individuals must be a legal resident of Indiana to obtain a Real ID.
The most common documents (must be printed) proving your Indiana residency include:
- Computer-generated bill from a utility company, credit card company, doctor, or hospital, issued within 60 days of the date you visit a BMV branch, and containing your name and address of residence.
- Bank statement.
- Pre-printed pay stub.
- Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement.
Need Help Understanding Document Requirements for Real ID?
Use our interactive document guide to obtain a personalized document list.
View Interactive Document Guide
FAQs
- When is the Real ID Deadline?
May 3, 2023
- Is a Real ID Required?
Indiana requires all new license, permit, or ID card applicants to provide documents that prove identity, lawful status, SSN, and residency. In return the BMV will issue a Real ID compliant credential. Real ID documentation will not be required on subsequent transaction unless the applicant has temporary resident status.
- What is a Non-Compliant Driver’s License or ID Card?
A non-compliant license or ID card indicates you have not provided the documents necessary to validate your identity, lawful status, SSN, and/or residency. Only Hoosiers that currently have a non-compliant license or ID card may apply for a non-compliant license or ID card.
Please be advised that a non-compliant license or ID card will allow you to drive and/or vote, but it will not be acceptable for federal identification purposes.
- What if I Cannot Find My Required Documents?
Birth Certificate
If you do not have your birth certificate in your possession, contact your state or county Department of Health and request an original or certified copy.
- Contact the county health departments in Indiana
- Contact health departments in other states
Social Security Card
If you do not have your social security card in your possession, you may request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration.
Documents Proving Residency
If you cannot provide two documents proving your Indiana residency you may submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit if you meet the following qualifications:
- You are under the age of 18. An Indiana Residency Affidavit for you must be signed at a BMV branch by another person. The person signing the affidavit must submit their valid Indiana driver’s license or identification card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency.
- You are at least 18 years old but cannot submit the required documents. An Indiana Residency Affidavit for you must be signed at a BMV branch by a person who you are living with. The person signing the affidavit must submit a valid Indiana driver's license or identification card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency.
- You are incapacitated. An Indiana Residency Affidavit for you must be signed at a BMV branch by another person who is your legal guardian or caregiver, is at least 18 years old, and with whom you are living. The legal guardian or caregiver must submit a valid Indiana driver’s license or identification card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency.
- You do not have an address of residence and you live at a group resident facility. An Indiana Residency Affidavit for you must be signed at a BMV branch by a legal representative of the group resident facility. You must also provide a letter from the group resident facility on its letterhead showing the facility’s name, address, and telephone number, and showing the legal representative’s name, signature, and signature date.
- Homeless applicants without a residence address. You must complete a residency affidavit and provide a letter from the government entity or not-for-profit organization on its letterhead showing the facility’s name, address, and telephone number, and showing the legal representative’s name, signature, and signature date. The legal representative must state in the letter that the entity or organization provides services to the applicant and will accept delivery of mail for the applicant.
- You reside in a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, a mobile home or motor home. An Indiana Residency Affidavit for you must be signed at a branch by another Indiana resident who attests that you may use his or her address of residence for record purposes. The person signing the affidavit must submit two documents proving Indiana residency. You must provide proof of paying Indiana income taxes for the current year or immediately prior year, and have current motor vehicle title and registration records with the BMV.
- You have a rural route mail delivery address. You must provide a properly certified government-issued document showing your name and a description of the residence’s location.
Need more help with the required documentation?
If you’re still having trouble producing the necessary documentation for a Real ID, please reach out to our Customer Contact Center at
888-692-6841
We’re here to help you Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (EDT).