On Tuesday before a long-anticipated mandate, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that Real ID will not be required to fly on commercial airlines. Speaking at the U.S. House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, she indicated non-compliant travelers could face “an extra step” via a different security line. Noem confirmed that passports and tribal IDs, along with other documents like U.S. passport cards and Department of Defense IDs, are acceptable for airline travel and federal building access, per the TSA website.
Noem’s statements reduce some uncertainty surrounding DHS enforcement of Real ID, an ID requiring additional documentation compared to traditional identification cards. Originally prompted by the 9/11 attacks, its implementation was delayed due to state opposition, including Montana’s. Real ID was intended to enhance security but faced backlash for privacy concerns.
In 2007, Montana’s legislature passed a bill opposing Real ID, citing privacy issues. When Montana’s licenses did not comply in 2016, then-Attorney General Tim Fox argued against creating an “Orwellian national ID system.” Federal representatives, like Ryan Zinke and Steve Daines, echoed similar sentiments about privacy and sovereignty.
By 2017, Montana repealed opposition to Real ID, with Rep. Jill Cohenour asserting privacy fears were exaggerated and access to Real IDs was needed. Recently, Zinke and Daines did not comment on their current stance, but Zinke and Sheehy shared updates on acquiring a Real ID.
As of April 30, 34% of Montanans possessed Real IDs, up from 30% in December 2024, according to Montana Department of Justice spokesperson Emilee Cantrell. The state Motor Vehicle Division reports increased Real ID appointments, offering extended hours and Saturday slots to accommodate demand.
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