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Real ID Overview

Will your license fly?

Learn how you can obtain a Real ID before the deadline.

Read on to see what documents you'll need to bring to a branch to obtain a Real ID. You can also use our Interactive Document Guide to walk through the requirements, or download the Real ID Documentation Checklist. Para español: Lista de Verificación de Real ID.

The Deadline is
May 7, 2025.

What is a Real ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, 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.

Required Documents to Obtain a Real ID

To obtain a Real ID, Hoosiers must visit a BMV branch and provide the following documentation from each of the below categories:

  • Proof of Identity

    identity icon

    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.
  • Proof of a Change in Name, Date of Birth, or Gender

    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:

    Court Icon

    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>.”
  • Proof of Lawful Status

    Lawful Status

    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.

    For information on eligibility for individuals paroled into the United States, please review the FAQ below.

  • Proof of Social Security

    Social Security

    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.
  • Proof of Indiana Residency

    Indiana Residency

    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 7, 2025

  • 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 or individuals paroled into the U.S. may apply for a non-compliant license or ID card. More information can be found on requirements for parolees in the FAQs on this page.

    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.

    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.
  • How can a person paroled in the U.S. obtain an ID, permit, or driver's license?

    If you need information on Real ID eligibility, please review the Frequently Asked Questions on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service website (USCIS).

    The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is providing this external link to the United States Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions site as a convenience and for informational purposes only. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

    Eligible Afghanistan Nationals Paroled into the U.S

    The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, includes a provision making certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses, permits and identification cards. Parolees must present all documentation as listed on the Real ID Documentation List.

    "Parole" is defined in IC 9-13-2-121.5 and means temporary legal presence in the United States under 8 U.S.C.1182(d)(5) granted to an individual.

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).