A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card will not be required for domestic air travel for two years, but Minnesotans who choose to apply for one will need to bring in more documentation than is required for a standard driver’s license.

The additional documentation required by federal law ensures the new licenses and ID cards meet minimum federal security standards established by Congress in 2005 under the REAL ID Act. To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide proof of identity, date of birth, legal status, Social Security number and Minnesota residency.

Minnesotans will be able to apply for REAL IDs beginning Oct. 1, 2018, but there is no need to rush to obtain one. A Minnesota standard license or ID card will be accepted for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until Oct. 1, 2020.

To apply for a REAL ID, Minnesotans will need to present the following documents in person:

•One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States, such as a passport or a birth certificate. If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person’s current name, a name change document must be submitted.

•One document proving social security number, such as a social security card or a federal W2 form.

•Two documents proving current residency in Minnesota. Examples include a valid driver’s license or ID card, a cancelled check or a credit card statement.

•A complete list of acceptable documents for REAL ID can be found at REALID.dps.mn.gov.

Other License/ID Options

In addition to REAL ID, Minnesota offers two other driver’s license and ID card options, each of which have their own set of required documentation.

Enhanced driver’s license or ID

An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or ID card (EID) is REAL ID-compliant and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities now and after Oct. 1, 2020. It can also be used to cross U.S. borders into and from Canada, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Only U.S. citizens may apply for an EDL or EID. The applicant must provide proof of identity, full legal name, social security number, photographic identity, Minnesota residency and U.S. citizenship.

Two types of documents must be submitted to prove Minnesota residency. For example, an electric bill or phone bill and a tax return.

An Interview Questionnaire must be completed at the time of application.

A complete list of acceptable documents for EDL or EID can be found on the DPS-DVS website​.

Standard driver’s license or ID

A standard driver’s license or ID card will continue to be accepted for driving and basic identification purposes beyond Oct. 1, 2020. It will not be accepted for federal purposes after that date.

To apply for a standard driver’s license, identification card, or permit, you may present a Minnesota driver’s license, identification card, or permit that is current or expired for five years or less if it has a photo, or one year or less if it does not have a photo.

If you do not have one of the items listed above, you must present two documents, including one document that contains your full name and the month, day and year of your birth. These documents may include a birth certificate, passport or a Social Security card.

If the name on your driver’s license, identification card or permit has changed or the names on your other documents do not match, you must also present proof of your legal name change(s).

A complete list of acceptable documents for a standard driver’s license or ID card can be found on the DPS-DVS website​.