Montana gets another extension to comply with REAL ID

HELENA (AP) — The state of Montana has been given another year before it has to begin complying with the REAL ID Act.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday gave the state until Oct. 10, 2018 to meet the federal identification requirements. Until then, Montana driver’s licenses will be accepted to board aircraft and access federal facilities.

The 2017 Legislature passed a bill saying Montana would begin complying with the REAL ID Act, overturning a law that directed non-compliance. That gave the state the grounds to seek the extension that was granted Wednesday.

State officials say they plan to have REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses available to people that want them beginning in January 2019. The Motor Vehicles Division will seek another extension to give it more time to reach full compliance.