Don't let the REAL ID deadline extension turn into an excuse for procrastination
Dec. 15, 2022
For many Minnesotans, filling out paperwork may have taken a backseat to keeping your family safe and healthy over the past two years. If you've been meaning to get your REAL ID, but haven't gotten around to it yet, we've got some good news for you.
You've now got until May 7, 2025, to get a REAL ID-complaint license. When the deadline hits, Minnesotans and the rest of U.S. travelers won't be able to use their standard driver's license to fly within the U.S. or visit some federal buildings. Instead, they will need to have a REAL ID-compliant license or a federal passport.
The federal Department of Homeland Security pushed the deadline back two years to help state licensing agencies like our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division work through backlogs that built up over the pandemic.
But just because there's more time, doesn't mean you should put it off. Get your REAL ID now, avoid the last-minute rush and make sure you can fly domestically when that deadline hits.
“Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea — and getting a REAL ID-compliant license is no exception," said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “Hopping on a plane should be fun. We don't want anyone to be left standing at the airport because they don't have the correct ID. That's why we encourage Minnesotans to take advantage of our online tools at
drive.mn.gov today to help with the decision-making and application process so you're ready ahead of time."
The most important part of getting a REAL ID is having the right documents to prove your identity and residency. DVS has a full list of what you need
on its website, but the short version is this: You need one document proving your identity, date of birth and legal U.S. presence; one document proving your Social Security number; and two documents proving your Minnesota residence.
The documents must be original. DVS cannot accept:
- Photocopies
- Scanned images
- Faxed images
- Digital images on a cell phone or other electronic device
- Laminated documents
The name on those documents must match the name on the application. If you've changed your name for any reason, you'll need to bring proof of each name change from your birth to present day. Examples of acceptable proof include certified copies of:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree or dissolution of marriage
- Adoption decree
- Court-ordered name change
If you've got questions, DVS has answers. Check out its
Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Shave off time at your office visit by pre-applying online at drive.mn.gov. The mobile-friendly web application includes the options to upload documents, so DVS can verify you have the right documents. It also lets you receive your REAL ID driver's license or ID card in 7-10 business days.
