What is the Difference Between a Real ID and a Non-Compliant License/ID?
A Real ID compliant driver's license or ID card will have a star in the top right corner. Non-compliant licenses and IDs will read "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" at the top.
Example of a Real ID compliant Driver's license.
Example of a non-compliant Driver's license.
Why Do I Need a Real ID?
As of May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, permit, or identification card is required to board commercial airplanes or enter certain federal facilities. For more information on Real IDs, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Website.
Read on to see what documents you need to bring to a branch to obtain a Real ID. You can also download the requirements in the Real ID Documentation Checklist. Para español: Lista de Verificación de Real ID.
Required Documents to Obtain a Real ID
To obtain a Real ID in Indiana, you must visit a BMV branch and provide the following documentation from each of the following categories:
- Proof of Identity
ONE document proving your identity is required.
Acceptable 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.
Need a complete list of approved documents?
- Proof of a Change in Name, Date of Birth, or Gender
Legal proof showing any changes to your name, date of birth, or gender.
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 you can use to show a change include:
NAME
More than one name change document may be required if multiple name changes have occurred.
- Adoption papers.
- Marriage license.
- Divorce decree.
- A 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
- A 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
- State Form 56712 - Physician’s Statement of Gender Change; or
- A physician’s signed and dated statement, on letterhead, that includes this 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>.”
Need a complete list of approved documents?
- Proof of Lawful Status
ONE document proving lawful status is required.
In most cases, the document presented to prove your identity will also prove your lawful status in the United States.
Acceptable documents you can use 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.
Need a complete list of approved documents?
- Proof of Social Security
ONE document proving your social security is required.
The full SSN MUST be displayed on the document for it to be accepted.
Acceptable 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.
NOTE: If you’ve misplaced, lost, or had your SS card stolen, visit the SSA website to learn how to replace your card.
Need a complete list of approved documents?
- Proof of Indiana Residency
TWO printed documents proving you are an Indiana resident are required.
Individuals must be a legal resident of Indiana to obtain a Real ID.
Acceptable documents (must be printed) you can use to prove 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 a complete list of approved documents?
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 transactions unless the applicant has temporary or permanent resident status.
- What is a Non-Compliant Driver’s License or ID Card?
A non-compliant driver’s license, learner’s permit or Identification card indicates that 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 credential may maintain a non-compliant status on their driver’s license learner’s permit or Identification card. More information can be found on requirements for parolees in the FAQs on this page.
Please be advised that a non-compliant credential will allow you to drive and/or vote, but it will NOT be acceptable for federal identification purposes. A non-compliant credential is indicated by the words “Not for Real ID Purposes” on the frontside of the driver’s license, permit, or identification card.
- 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 State Form 50879 - Indiana Residency Affidavit if you meet the following qualifications:
- You are under the age of 18. An Indiana Residency Affidavit must be signed for you at a BMV branch by another person. The person signing the affidavit must provide:
- a valid Indiana driver’s license or ID card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency, or
- a Real ID compliant Indiana credential with the correct legal address.
- You are at least 18 years old but cannot submit the required documents. A person you are living with must sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit for you at a BMV branch. The person signing the affidavit must provide:
- a valid Indiana driver’s license or ID card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency, or
- a Real ID compliant Indiana credential with the correct legal address.
- You are incapacitated. Your legal guardian or caregiver must sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit for you at a BMV branch. The legal guardian or caregiver must be at least 18 years old, and you must be living with them. The legal guardian or caregiver must provide:
- a valid Indiana driver’s license or ID card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving Indiana residency, or
- a Real ID compliant Indiana credential with the correct legal address.
- You do not have an address of residence and you live at a group resident facility. A legal representative of a group resident facility must sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit for you at a BMV branch. You must also provide a letter from the group resident facility on their letterhead showing the facility’s name, address, telephone number, and include the legal representative’s name, signature, and signature date.
- Homeless applicants without a residence address. You must complete an Indiana Residency Affidavit. You will also need a letter from a government entity or not-for-profit organization (on their letterhead) showing: the facility’s name, address, and telephone number, and showing a 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 you and will accept delivery of mail for you.
- You reside in a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, a mobile home or motor home. Another Indiana resident who attests that you may use his or her address of residence for record purposes must sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit for you at a branch. The person signing the affidavit must submit two documents proving Indiana residency. You must also 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.
- You are under the age of 18. An Indiana Residency Affidavit must be signed for you at a BMV branch by another person. The person signing the affidavit must provide:
- How can a person paroled in the U.S. obtain an ID, permit, or driver's license?
Eligible Afghanistan Nationals Paroled into the U.S
The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act makes certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible to obtain Real ID driver’s licenses, permits, and ID cards. Parolees must present all documentation as listed on the Real ID Documentation List.
All Other Individuals Paroled into the U.S.
To qualify for an Indiana credential, paroled individuals, except certain Afghan nationals, will have to show documentation to support a viable lawful status beyond their parole status. Many paroled individuals may qualify for Temporary Protective Status (TPS), Asylum status or other lawful statuses.
House Bill 1162 repealed the parole language, except for certain Afghans, Indiana can now only issue credentials to parolees that have lawful status.
Additional Information for Paroled Individuals
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 links to the United States Department of Homeland Security 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.
- Can the Real ID indicator be removed from my Driver's License or ID Card?
No, once the Real ID indicator has been applied, it cannot be removed. It confirms the Real ID documentation standard has been met.
Need more help with the required documentation?
If you’re having trouble collecting the necessary documents for a Real ID, please reach out to our Contact Center at
888-692-6841
We’re here to help you Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (EDT).
