REAL ID Deadline Approaches: Apply For The Card In MN

MINNESOTA — Starting Oct. 1, Minnesotans will not be able to board a flight or enter federal facilities with a standard driver's license. Instead, they must use a REAL ID.

If they don't have a REAL ID or REAL ID-enhanced driver’s license, only a U.S. passport will do.

Minnesotans can apply for a REAL ID:

• when they renew their license or ID card
• or apply for a REAL ID early for an additional fee
  • $2 for a renewal up to 17 months before the expiration
  • $4 for a renewal 18-29 months before the expiration
  • $6 for a renewal more than 29 months before the expiration

How to apply for a REAL ID in Minnesota

State officials recommend pre-applying for a REAL ID online at drive.mn.gov.

The required documents for a REAL ID application are fairly extensive. They must show:

• Proof of identity, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States
• Proof of social security number
• Proof of current residency in Minnesota (two documents)

Find the full list of acceptable forms of these documents here.

Watch this video outlining what Minnesotans need to do to obtain a REAL ID. There are videos with Hmong, Spanish, and Somali captioning as well.