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Indiana driver guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Real ID: What It Is and What to Bring
Flying soon? Here is what the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says about Real ID: why you need it, how to tell if you already have one, and the documents to bring to a branch.
Startop right corner marks a Real ID
2printed proofs of Indiana residency
May 7, 2025federal Real ID requirement
$45TSA screening without one, per the BMV
The short answer
An Indiana Real ID has a star in the top right corner. To get one, visit a BMV branch with proof of identity, lawful status, your full Social Security number, any name or birth date changes, and two printed proofs of Indiana residency.
Why you need a Real ID
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says that, 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.
The BMV also notes that starting February 1, 2026, the TSA requires travelers without a Real ID or another TSA-approved ID (such as a U.S. passport) to complete an additional identity screening at airports. The BMV says that screening costs $45 and is valid for only 10 days.
From the BMV's Real ID Overview page, read November 10, 2026.
How to tell if your license is a Real ID
Real ID compliant
Has a star in the top right corner of the license or ID card.
Non-compliant
Reads "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" at the top. It still lets you drive and vote, but it is not acceptable for federal identification purposes.
The BMV says all new license, permit or ID card applicants in Indiana must prove identity, lawful status, Social Security number and residency, and in return receive a Real ID-compliant credential. Once the Real ID indicator is applied, it cannot be removed.
From the BMV's Real ID Overview page, read November 10, 2026.
Documents you need for an Indiana Real ID
To get a Real ID, you must visit a BMV branch and bring documents from each category below. The BMV's Real ID Documentation Checklist has the complete list.
| Category | How many | Examples the BMV accepts |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | One | U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), unexpired U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa and I-94, Consular Report of Birth Abroad |
| Lawful status | One | Often the same document as identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate or unexpired U.S. passport |
| Social Security | One, showing the full number | Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099, or a pay stub with your name and number |
| Indiana residency | Two printed documents | Computer-generated utility, credit card, doctor or hospital bill issued within 60 days of your BMV visit, showing your name and address; bank statement; pre-printed pay stub; Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement |
| Name change | As needed | Marriage license, divorce decree, adoption papers, court order, or amended birth certificate |
| Birth date change | As needed | Court order or amended birth certificate |
If your current legal name or date of birth differs from your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the change, and more than one name-change document may be needed after multiple changes.
From the BMV's Real ID Overview page, read November 10, 2026.
If you are missing a document
- Birth certificate: contact your state or county Department of Health for an original or certified copy.
- Social Security card: request a replacement from the Social Security Administration.
- Proof of residency: if you cannot provide two documents, you may qualify to use State Form 50879, the Indiana Residency Affidavit, signed or completed at a BMV branch, depending on your situation. The BMV lists who qualifies, including applicants under 18, adults living with someone who can sign, and people living in a group facility or a motor vehicle.
From the BMV's Real ID Overview page, read November 10, 2026.
Road trip instead of a flight? Start at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Before a long drive, let our technicians check the basics.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana Real ID FAQ
Do I need a Real ID in Indiana?
To board commercial airplanes or enter certain federal facilities, yes. The BMV says the requirement began May 7, 2025, and notes that at airports the TSA also accepts other approved IDs, such as a U.S. passport.
How do I know if my Indiana license is a Real ID?
A Real ID-compliant Indiana license or ID card has a star in the top right corner. A non-compliant card reads Not for Real ID Purposes at the top.
Can I get an Indiana Real ID online?
No. The BMV says you must visit a BMV branch with your documents to get a Real ID.
How many proofs of residency do I need for an Indiana Real ID?
Two printed documents, such as a recent computer-generated bill, a bank statement or a pre-printed pay stub, according to the BMV.
Can I still drive with a non-compliant Indiana license?
Yes. The BMV says a non-compliant credential lets you drive and vote, but it is not acceptable for federal identification purposes.
What happens at the airport without a Real ID?
The BMV says that starting February 1, 2026, the TSA requires an additional identity screening for travelers without a Real ID or another TSA-approved ID; it costs $45 and is valid for 10 days.
Handling other BMV paperwork?
See our Indiana title and registration guide, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Real ID requirements, documents and the TSA screening note are from the Indiana BMV Real ID Overview page, read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Real ID Overview, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026