ST. PAUL — Minnesotans with standard driver’s licenses or identification (ID) cards are strongly encouraged to consider applying for a REAL ID so they’ll be prepared ahead of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s full REAL ID enforcement date of Oct. 1, 2020.

Every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities beginning Oct. 1, 2020. A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be a valid form of identification and valid for lawful driving privileges.

“We want all Minnesotans to have the required identification to board an airplane next year,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. “Less than 10 percent of all Minnesota driver’s license and ID card-holders have a REAL ID-compliant card right now. We know there are people in this state who will need a REAL ID and don’t have one yet. We want to reach those people and make sure they know exactly what they need to do to get a REAL ID-compliant card.”

Any eligible Minnesotan can apply for a REAL ID now, but there is a fee in addition to the standard cost of the license or ID card. It depends on how early you renew.

• $2 for a renewal up to 17 months before expiration

• $4 for a renewal 18-29 months before expiration

• $6 for a renewal more than 29 months before expiration

When renewing early, four years will be added to the license or ID card’s original expiration date, so while an early renewal will cost a little more, the license or ID card will be valid for a longer period of time. The early renewal option is only for those who renewed their Minnesota driver’s license or ID card before REAL IDs were available on Oct. 1, 2018.

Their licenses must also expire after the full enforcement date of Oct. 1, 2020.