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Indiana Real ID Requirements Explained

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Beginning May 7, 2025, Indiana residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license, permit, or identification card to board commercial airplanes or enter certain federal facilities. The Real ID Act, enacted by Congress in 2005, sets federal standards for state-issued identification documents. Here's what you need to know to obtain a Real ID in Indiana.

What Is a Real ID?

A Real ID is a state-issued credential that meets federal security standards. In Indiana, Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards are marked with a star in the upper-right corner. These credentials are required for:

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Accessing federal facilities and military bases

Required Documents for Real ID

To obtain a Real ID in Indiana, you must present original or certified copies of the following documents at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch:

1. Proof of Identity

Provide one of the following:

  • Unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • Original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
  • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form

2. Proof of Lawful Status

This is typically established with the same document used for proof of identity. If additional documentation is needed, acceptable forms include:

  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
  • Proof of application for asylum in the U.S. (Form I-589)
  • I-797 Notice of Action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

3. Proof of Social Security Number

Provide one of the following documents displaying your full Social Security Number:

  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form
  • SSA-1099 form
  • Non-SSA-1099 form
  • Pay stub with your name and Social Security number

If you are ineligible for a Social Security Number, obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

4. Proof of Indiana Residency

Provide two printed documents showing your name and Indiana residential address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bill (issued within 60 days)
  • Bank statement
  • Pre-printed pay stub
  • Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement

If you cannot provide two documents, you may submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit under certain conditions, such as being under 18, incapacitated, or without a permanent address.

Application Process

  1. Visit a BMV Branch: Real ID applications must be completed in person. You cannot apply online, by mail, or over the phone.
  2. Bring Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary original or certified documents.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out the application form at the BMV branch.
  4. Receive Temporary Credential: If your documents are accepted, you will receive a temporary credential valid for 30 days.
  5. Receive Permanent Real ID: Your permanent Real ID will be mailed to you within 14 days.

Additional Information

  • Name Changes: If your current name differs from the name on your identity document, provide legal documents supporting the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree).
  • Non-Compliant Credentials: Indiana residents can choose to maintain a non-compliant license or ID, which will state "Not for Real ID Purposes." These credentials are not valid for federal identification purposes.
  • Renewals and Replacements: If you already have a non-compliant credential, you can upgrade to a Real ID at any time by visiting a BMV branch with the required documents.

For more detailed information, visit the Indiana BMV Real ID Overview page.

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