REAL ID turns six months old
March 4, 2019
By six months old, most humans are rolling over, sitting up on their own, and starting to eat solid food. REAL ID, which will be six months old on April 1, is similarly accomplished. Between Oct. 1, 2018, and Feb. 22, 2019, almost 60,000 Minnesotans applied for a REAL ID.
Interested in joining their ranks? As you’ve probably heard, it requires a bit more documentation to get your REAL ID than it does for a standard driver’s license or ID card. Before you apply, you’ll want to gather the following (click here for more details about each):
One document that proves your identity, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States.
One document that proves your social security number.
Two documents that prove your current residency in Minnesota.
A REAL ID isn’t any more expensive than a standard driver’s license ($25.25) or ID card ($19.25), unless you’re renewing early. Then there are additional fees, which you can learn more about here.
Maybe you’re not yet sure whether a REAL ID is right for you. This breakdown of differences between REAL IDs, standard licenses and enhanced licenses might help you decide which one you should get.
Remember, after Oct. 1, 2020, you will need a REAL ID (or enhanced driver’s license or passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility. Until then, the unexpired Minnesota license or ID card you already have will suffice.
So if you decide to celebrate REAL ID’s six-month birthday, gathering your documents and applying for one would be a great way to do it. And if you decide to also eat cereal with your hands like a real six-month-old, we promise not to judge.
