Minnesota On Track To Meet REAL ID Deadline: DVS

Minnesotans will be able to apply for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards before the current extension expires on Oct. 10, 2018, state officials announced Monday. The development of the new driver services system, which will be capable of issuing REAL IDs, is fully on schedule, according to FAST Enterprises, the company contracted to develop the new system.

Another Extension?

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services is working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as this year’s Oct. 1 REAL ID rollout approaches.

While another extension beyond Oct. 10, 2018, is a possibility, DHS is currently not accepting state applications.

What is REAL ID?

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 the following:

• Federally regulated commercial aircraft.
• Federal facilities requiring identification to enter, such as military bases or nuclear power facilities.

The law bans federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet minimum security standards.

REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions

What if my driver’s license expires before October 2018?

• Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or identification cards expire before October 2018 should plan to renew their cards as they normally would. When renewed between now and October 2018:
  • The renewed license will be valid for four years, barring a suspension or revocation.
  • They will be able to apply for a REAL ID once they are available in October.
  • If they choose to apply for a REAL ID before their standard license expires, an early renewal fee would be charged and an additional four years would be added to the expiration date. Fee information is available on the REAL ID website.

If I apply for a REAL ID-compliant card and need to fly before I receive it, can I board a commercial aircraft by showing the receipt?

• No. A receipt is not the same as a REAL ID-compliant card and will not be accepted. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lists other acceptable forms of identification for commercial flights onits website.

If I’m out of state in October and want to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card, can I apply by mail?

• No. The first application for a REAL ID-compliant card must be submitted in person.

Why do I have to pay an additional fee to renew early and get a REAL ID-compliant card?

• If you choose to renew your standard driver’s license early to obtain the optional REAL ID-compliant card when it becomes available in October, the extra fee is based on how early you renew. Your license is then renewed for four years out from its current expiration month and year, so that extra fee covers the additional years the license will be valid for. For example:
  • If you renewed your license in June 2017, it would expire in June 2021. If you choose to renew that license early in October 2018, you will pay a $6 fee in addition to the standard license cost, and your new card will expire June 2025.

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