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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS SPOtLIGHtS PAGE 33

The Montana REAL ID

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
mtrealid.gov. I checked mine, and
BY JONAtHAN RIMMEL it added about another $10.
HOW DO YOU GEt It?
Have you heard of the new To get one of the new
Montana REAL ID? You have? Montana REAL IDs, you’ll have
Great. Do you know what it is and to set up an appointment with
how to get one? I didn’t think so. an authorized license station.
Let’s dive into it and see what it’s Not all license stations can give
all about. you a REAL ID, so check mtre-
WHAt IS It? alid.gov for a list of stations
September 11 caused REAL that do.
ID’s creation. In that incident, the WHAt ARE tHE REQUIREMENtS?
19 hijackers used 30 state-issued To get a Montana REAL ID,
IDs, which assisted them getting you will need all of the following:
through security. < One document with proof of
REAL ID is standardized You don’t need a REAL ID compliant license to travel in Montana. However, your real name and date of birth
this form of identification will be required for all domestic flights and for
across the nation for increased accessing federal facilities, starting October 2020. (driver’s license, Certified US
security by higher requirements birth certificate, US passport or
for obtaining the license or ID. Montana Keep in mind, a passport is still permanent resident card)
licenses have already followed many of the required for international flights and < One document with your social
requirements, which is why the only visible border crossings. security number (w-2, unlamented social
change is the inclusion of a gold star. If Since the requirements to prove who security card)
your license does not have the gold star in you are have increased with a REAL ID, < Two documents with proof of Montana
the upper-right corner, it is not a REAL ID. they can also decrease the likelihood of a residency (utility bill, vehicle registration,
WHY GEt ONE? stolen identity (at least where an ID would rental agreement)
You don’t need REAL ID compliant be used). < One document with proof of name
license in Montana. However, this form HOW MUCH WILL It COSt? change if applicable (marriage license,
of identification will be required for The cost to acquire a Montana REAL certificate of citizenship, certificate of
all domestic flights and for accessing ID depends on your situation. Here’s the naturalization)
federal facilities, starting October 2020. breakdown: < Set up an appointment at an authorized
You will still be able to use a passport or < First time Montana license: $50 plus fees license station by visiting the website
passport card. < Change on a license close to expiring: mt.sts-scheduler.com (you will be required
Although you may already have a pass- $25 plus fees to create a user account), or by calling
port, it may be more convenient to just carry < Change on a license not close to expiring 1-866-450-8034 during business hours.
your REAL ID, since it’s likely with you most (more than 6 months): $50 plus fees. For more detailed information visit
of the time anyway. Your required fees are calculated accord- mtrealid.gov. MSN
ing to your specific situation at the website

HOMING PIGEON
submitted by Julie Fink/Brantley

You can never lose a homing pigeon—if your homing pigeon doesn’t come back, what you’ve lost is a pigeon.