Minnesotans with standard driver’s licenses or identification cards are strongly encouraged to consider applying for a REAL ID, so they’ll be prepared ahead of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s full REAL ID enforcement date of Oct. 1, 2020.

Every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities beginning Oct. 1, 2020. A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be a valid form of identification and valid for lawful driving privileges, according to a press release.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division wants to make sure anyone who needs a REAL ID as of the deadline has one in hand.

“We want all Minnesotans to have the required identification to board an airplane next year,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. “Less than 10% of all Minnesota driver’s license and ID card-holders have a REAL ID-compliant card right now. We know there are people in this state who will need a REAL ID and don’t have one yet. We want to reach those people and make sure they know exactly what they need to do to get a REAL ID-compliant card.”

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. The act refers to federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations that control access to:

Federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Federal facilities requiring identification to enter, such as military bases or nuclear power facilities.

“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the accuracy of driver’s licenses and will greatly improve aviation security,” said Minnesota TSA Federal Security Director Cliff Van Leuven. “We highly recommend that Minnesotans who plan to travel by air upgrade their standard driver’s license to a REAL ID or enhanced license before the deadline.”

 

Renew early

Any eligible Minnesotan can apply for a REAL ID now, but there is a fee in addition to the standard cost of the license or ID card. It depends on how early you renew.

$2 for a renewal up to 17 months before expiration

$4 for a renewal 18 to 29 months before expiration

$6 for a renewal more than 29 months before expiration

When renewing early, four years will be added to the license or ID card’s original expiration date, so while an early renewal will cost a little more, the license or ID card will be valid for a longer period of time. The early renewal option is only for those who renewed their Minnesota driver’s license or ID card before REAL IDs were available on Oct. 1, 2018. Their licenses must also expire after the full enforcement date of Oct. 1, 2020.

 

Enhanced driver’s license or ID

State enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are acceptable for official federal purposes such as accessing a federal facility or boarding a commercial aircraft. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs.

Minnesotans who have an enhanced driver’s license or ID can continue to use it to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities after Oct. 1, 2020.

More information about EDLs and EIDs can be found on the REAL ID website.

 

REAL ID required documents

Minnesotans are required to provide additional documentation when applying for a REAL ID, compared to a standard driver’s license or ID card.

A person must provide the following in person when applying:

One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States.

If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person’s current name, a name change document must be submitted.

One document proving social security number.

If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.

Two different documents proving current residency in Minnesota.

Must have applicant’s name as used at print and current address in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not suffice as proof of current residency in Minnesota.

Applicants must provide original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them. Laminated documents will not be accepted. Digital documents shown on your phone or other electronic device will also not be accepted. A full list of accepted documentation is on the REAL ID website.