The information in this news release is dated and may have changed since its publication date. For up-to-date REAL ID information, visit REALID.dps.mn.gov.​

ST. PAUL — 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. 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.

• Minnesota’s extension status.
• DHS extension frequently asked questions.  

• Quicker office visits.
• Data entry error reduction.
• Increased privacy of customer data.

• 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.
• Additional fee information can be found on the REAL ID FAQ webpage.

• The project is currently on schedule.
• Development is complete for the DVS e-Services pre-application that will be released on Oct. 1, 2018. This allows Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their application data for standard, enhanced or REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses on their phone or computer before visiting an office to finish the process.
• The FAST project team has begun demonstrating the system to driver’s license agents, DVS staff and deputy registrars around the state. There were four demos in February and are seven more scheduled for March.
• DVS system users had the opportunity to explore the new system in February and DVS testers are completing weekly unit testing tasks. This gives users hands-on experience to not only become familiar with the system but helps identify refinements in workflows and assures that this system meets the needs of users.
• FAST trainers are organizing 10 regional training sites statewide to make sure all driver’s license agents and deputy registrars have a convenient location to participate in training. Computer-based training begins in June, followed by classroom training late July through late September.

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

The Act prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet minimum security standards.

• For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA’s website.
• Information from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
• REAL ID Enforcement: Minnesota
• REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions for the Public

• While REAL ID enforcement for states without federal extensions began Jan. 22, Minnesotans do not need to take any action at this time.
• Minnesota has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept Minnesota driver's licenses and identification cards at federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
• DPS-DVS will provide updates as the availability of REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards approaches.

• Find Minnesota REAL ID information and resources at the state’s website.
• TheDPS-DVS Facebook page will have information that can easily be shared.
• A recent DPS Blog post has information to consider when deciding which license or ID card you need.

• For driver services questions (licenses, ID cards, driver compliance and exams) send an email to dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us, and include your full name and date of birth with your question. You can also call 651-297-3298.
• For vehicle services questions (ownership transfers, titles, liens and vehicle registration) visit theDVS website and submit your question using the vehicle services contact forms. You can also call 651-297-2126 or email dvs.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us and include your full name, date of birth, and license plate or VIN number with your question.

• DVS 2017:
• More than 1.6 million driver’s license and ID cards issued
• More than 1.6 million titles issued
• More than 5.4 million vehicles registered
• DVS’ Public Information Center handled more than 1.2 million phone calls and 110,000 email correspondences.
• Web-based services include driver’s license status check, registration renewal (tabs), and test scheduling.