A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license, permit or identification card that complies with federal security standards set by the Real ID Act of 2005.
These credentials are required to board commercial flights and access certain federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses, starting May 7, 2025. Real IDs are easily identifiable by a star in the upper right-hand corner.
For those who need to update their credentials, it is essential to know what a Real ID is, how to obtain one and why it’s necessary before the upcoming federal deadline.
How to get a Real ID in Indiana
To receive a Real ID-compliant credential in Indiana, applicants must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch and provide specific documents. These include:
- Proof of identity and lawful status
You must present an original or certified document verifying your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. passport or a foreign passport with a visa and I-94 form.
- Proof of social security number
The documentation must display your full Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, SSA-1099 or a pay stub issued within 60 days.
- Proof of Indiana residency
Applicants must provide two printed documents showing their current Indiana residential address. Examples include utility bills, bank statements or pre-printed pay stubs, all issued within the past 60 days.
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
If your name differs from what is listed on your proof of identity, you must bring certified name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Why is a Real ID necessary?
The Real ID Act enhanced national security and established consistent identity verification standards across all U.S. states. After the May 2025 deadline, individuals will not be permitted to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities without a Real ID or other federally approved identification.
Plan ahead
It’s recommended that Indiana residents apply well before the deadline to avoid potential delays. The application process must be completed in person at a BMV branch.
For more information on obtaining a Real ID in Indiana, visit in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/real-id-overview/.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
