Minnesota Licenses and ID Cards
Minnesota has a few identification options for residents to choose from.
Determining which type of license or ID card works best depends on what a person needs to use the card for.
Standard Driver's License or ID Card
- A standard license or ID card can be used for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until May 7, 2025.
- Starting May 7, 2025, these won't be acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel or federal use.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
Enhanced Driver's License or ID Card
- Can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities now and will continue to be acceptable forms of identification for federal purposes even after May 7, 2025.
- Can be used as U.S. border crossing documents by land or by sea.
- Only issued to U.S. citizens.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
REAL ID Compliant Driver's Licenses or ID Card
- REAL ID driver's licenses or ID cards can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
- Issued to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
- Cannot be used as border crossing documents.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
Find out which license or ID card best fits your needs by reviewing a full comparison chart.
Find information about REAL ID federal enforcement.
Review U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security REAL ID frequently asked questions.
Review additional federal REAL ID documents.
