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Bureau of Motor Vehicles

myBMV > Identification documents for a Driver’s License or ID Card > Real ID Driver's License and ID Cards Real ID Driver's License and ID Cards

Real ID

Beginning October 1, 2020, Hoosiers without a Real ID-compliant license, permit, or identification card will not be able to board a commercial flight or enter certain federal buildings. A Real ID is a more secure form of identification that meets federal security standards. Applicants for a Real ID must have documents proving their identity, Social Security number, lawful status in the U.S., and Indiana residency. Non-citizens are required to present documentation to apply for a renewal or replacement of their existing credential, including documents that prove those features listed above.

To find out if you already have a Real ID, check the upper-right-hand corner of your license or ID. If there is a gold star, or a star inside of a gold circle then you have a Real ID.

Hoosiers renewing, amending, or replacing a current Indiana credential can choose to apply for a Real ID or a traditional non-compliant credential—one which does not require additional documentation. However, a non-compliant credential may not be acceptable for federal identification purposes. Hoosiers who want a Real ID should bring original versions or certified copies of the required documents to a license branch.

If there are no problems with your documentation or application, you will receive your permanent Real ID credential within 14 days of your branch visit. Questions should be directed to the BMV at (888) 692-6841 or to your local license branch.

What Do I Need To Do To Get a Real ID?

STEP 1: Gather Your Documents

Be sure that you have the required documents before you visit a license branch. These documents will need to prove your identity (name and date of birth), Social Security number, lawful status in the United States and Indiana residency.

IMPORTANT NAME CHANGE INFORMATION: If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (e.g., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided in order to obtain a Real ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name. 

If you have questions or trouble when collecting your documents, you can call the BMV toll-free at 888-692-6841 and speak with a customer service representative for help or visit any Indiana license branch for assistance. For all document categories, the BMV has the ability to grant exceptions if certain items, such as a birth certificate, are not available to you.

If you do not have your birth certificate in your possession (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), you need to contact your state or county Department of Health and request an original or certified copy. Some states may take up to five months to process duplicate birth certificates.

STEP 2: Visit a License Branch

If you are applying for a new credential, you must bring your required documents to a license branch.

If you are renewing, amending or replacing your current credential, you are asked to bring your documents to a license branch to get a Real ID. You should follow the Real ID procedures on your normal renewal date.

Whether you are getting a new, renewed, amended or replaced credential, you will receive your permanent Real ID credential within 14 days of your visit to the license branch, provided there are no issues with your application or documentation. If there are issues with your application or documentation, you will be contacted by a BMV representative.

If you have a current Indiana credential and you are having trouble collecting your documents, you can apply for a non-compliant credential in order to drive and/or vote. As previously mentioned, a non-compliant may not be acceptable for Federal identification purposes.

STEP 3: Receive your Credentials

Your permanent Real ID credential will be mailed to you after you apply for a new, renewed, amended or replacement credential. You will receive your credential at your mailing address within 14 days, provided there are no issues with your application or documentation. If there are issues with your application or documentation, you will be contacted by a BMV representative. The process used to mail credentials is similar to that used by the financial services industry to mail credit and debit cards.

What If I Still Have Questions?

Learn more about Real ID and receiving credentials through the mail by reading our frequently asked questions.

If you have questions, you can call the BMV toll-free at 888-692-6841 and speak with a customer service representative for help or visit any Indiana license branch for assistance.