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REAL ID deadline takes effect this year in MN: What to know

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Published  January 13, 2025 5:17pm CST
Minnesota
FOX 9
article

(FOX 9)

The Brief

    • After years of delays, REAL ID requirements may finally go into effect this year.
    • Starting in May, you will need a REAL ID or passport to fly and visit federal buildings.
    • In order to get a REAL ID, you need additional proof of your identity.

(FOX 9) - After years and years of delays, the deadline for REAL IDs is set to take effect this year, meaning soon your standard license won't be enough to get on a flight.

Here's what you need to know about REAL ID in Minnesota.

REAL ID deadline

What we know:

In Minnesota and beyond, the REAL ID deadline is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

What is a REAL ID?

Big picture view:

A REAL ID is basically a more secure driver's license. The form of identification was created in 2005 by the U.S. Congress as a security standard in the post-September 11 world. The act standardized identity verification standards across all 50 states.

The hope was, with REAL ID, federal officials could better guarantee the person using was who they said they were. However, 20 years later, the standard still hasn't yet taken effect.

The implementation of REAL ID was initially supposed to happen in 2008 but has been delayed multiple times due to conflicts with state governments.

Why do I need REAL ID?

The backstory:

Starting in May, federal agencies will stop accepting standard driver's licenses for:

  • Taking a flight and going through airport security
  • Enter a U.S. military base
  • Enter federal buildings

However, it's worth noting you will still be able to use a standard driver's license with a passport or passport card to fly. Standard licenses will still be valid for typical uses, like driving, voting, or age verification to buy tobacco and alcohol.

Alternatively, you can also apply for an enhanced driver's license. The enhanced license is valid for everything you can use the REAL ID for, plus you can use it to cross the border in a vehicle or boat to get to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, the enhanced license comes at a higher cost.

How do I get a REAL ID?

What you can do:

REAL IDs can be obtained the same way you'd apply for a license at most Minnesota DVS centers. You can find a center near you that takes REAL ID applications by clicking here. However, you will need more documentation than a standard license.

Documents you will need to include:

  • Document proving your identity (birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or certificate of citizenship)
  • A document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
  • Two documents proving you are currently a Minnesota resident (driver's license, income tax return, utility bill, credit card statement)

If you have changed your name, you will need to bring documents proving those name changes, like a court order. All documents must be originals. Photocopies of documents, digital images, or even laminated copies aren't accepted for REAL ID.

You can pre-apply for a REAL ID or advanced driver's license by clicking here.

MinnesotaTravel News