REAL ID Deadline Approaching For MN Residents: What To Know

MINNEAPOLIS — With just six months left until the federal enforcement of REAL ID begins for commercial domestic air travel, Minnesota officials are reminding residents to prepare.

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.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Minnesota received several extensions to implement the requirements.

The federal Department of Homeland Security postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19.

Minnesotans can apply for a REAL ID in person at an open deputy registrar, driver's license agent office or DVS exam station. Find your nearest one here.

To get a REAL ID you'll need the following documents:

• Proof of identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, in current legal name
• Two proofs of current, physical Minnesota address: Current, unexpired Minnesota driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address
• Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): Certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or an amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics

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