REAL ID ‘Crisis’: What You Need To Know In Minnesota

MINNESOTA — A trade group that represents the commercial airport industry has proclaimed a “crisis” on the REAL ID program and is calling on Congress to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for compliance.

The clock is ticking on the deadline for Minnesota and other U.S. residents to get their REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards if they want to travel by air.

The Airports Council-North America, which represents commercial airports in the United States and Canada, has asked the federal government to extend the deadline amid concerns that two-thirds of driver’s licenses held by Americans aren’t REAL ID-compliant.

Information for Minnesotans

The best way to make sure applicants for a REAL ID or other license type have everything they need before they visit a driver’s license office is to pre-apply online at drive.mn.gov. This feature allows Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their application online, reducing the time they spend in the office. It also lists the required documents for each license type so applicants can have all necessary documents ready when they visit their local office, according to a news release.

New Language on Standard Minnesota Driver’s License Application:

DPS-DVS added an important notice to standard Minnesota driver’s license or ID applications as an added effort to inform customers when they are not applying for a REAL ID-compliant card. This message is printed on all standard driver’s license or ID card applications as of Jan. 28.

"Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification will be required to fly within the United States and enter federal facilities. A standard Minnesota driver’s license or ID will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be valid for lawful driving privileges. For more information please ask the agent processing your application or visit REALID.dps.mn.gov."

Kevin M. Burke, the president and CEO of the airport industry trade group, warned of travel disruptions if the REAL ID deadline isn’t extended.

“If the government doesn’t make a definitive statement now that they’re going to extend this, then we’re going to have a real crisis on our hands come Oct. 1,” Burke told NBC News.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows states have issued more than 95 million REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.

If travelers haven’t obtained them by Oct. 1, they won’t be able to board flights, and that could disrupt their lives and airline operations, as well, Burke said.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a REAL ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

As the deadline looms, motor vehicle offices are scrambling to keep up with the number of people requesting the REAL IDs, the NBC News report said.