What does 'NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION' mean?
Jan. 14, 2019
If you got your standard Minnesota driver’s license or identification card on or after Oct. 1, 2018, you’ve probably noticed four new words printed on it: “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION.” Some people have found that a bit daunting, but don’t worry. We’re here to explain what that means.
Those words are on your ID because they’re required by federal law — specifically, the REAL ID Act. But, because Minnesota is REAL-ID compliant, you can actually use your standard Minnesota license or ID for federal purposes (despite those four little words) – but only until Oct. 1, 2020.
After that date, if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you’ll need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, or a passport to do so.
Think of it this way: Oct. 1, 2020, is the dividing line. If you need federal identification for anything before that date, one of the following will work:
After Oct. 1, 2020, you’ll need one of the following for federal identification purposes (such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal facility):
Whether you get a REAL ID is up to you – they’re optional. But if you recently got your standard license or ID and have decided you want a REAL ID before October 2020, you can certainly renew early. Fees for early renewals depend on how many months ahead of the expiration you renew (for a list of early renewal fees, check out our REAL ID FAQ page).
One more thing about REAL IDs: You may have heard that you need a few extra documents to get yours. That’s because the REAL ID Act refers to federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations that control access to federally regulated commercial aircraft and federal facilities. Save yourself some time by reviewing what documents you need to gather and using the pre-application online.
So don’t worry: “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” isn’t as dire as it may sound. You can make the decision as to what ID or driver’s license works best for you.
