Time to renew your REAL ID? Here's what you need to know
Nov. 28, 2022
We've got some good news and some not-so-good news for early adopters of the REAL ID.
We'll give you the not-so-good news first: You might want to check the expiration date on your card. If you received a REAL ID-compliant license when we first began offering them, it could be up for renewal soon.
Before you start running around trying to gather all the documents you needed the first time around, here is the good news for you: You probably won't need them.
When you renew your REAL ID, you do not need to bring your proof of residency and identity documents again unless you moved or changed your name since you got your REAL ID.
If you've moved or had a name change since the time your REAL ID was issued, you will need to do the following:
- If you have a new address, you need to provide two new proof of Minnesota residency documents.
- If you have changed your name, you need to provide additional identity documents that show the change of name, such as your marriage certificate, divorce degree or documents from a court-ordered name-change.
You will find a list of acceptable documents at
REALID.dps.mn.gov. Our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division also has a
Frequently Asked Questions page with more information.
Speaking of more information, it's a good idea to remind your friends and family that the enforcement deadline is less than six months away. After May 3, 2023, everyone over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant card to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities.
If they're not sure whether or not they are compliant, tell them to look for the star. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards are marked with a star at the top inside a golden circle. Enhanced driver's licenses and identification cards are also REAL ID compliant; however, cards issued before Jan. 1, 2021, do not have a star.
Share
our information on REAL ID with your friends and family, especially if you plan to take a flight together next year.
Also, remember you can 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.
