Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act set certain standards for states to issue driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards that will be accepted by federal agencies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security set May 7, 2025, as the date when they will start enforcing the Act. What that means is that as of May 7, 2025, Minnesotans 18 years of age or older will not be able to use their standard driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:
- Minnesota REAL ID driver’s license or identification card
- Minnesota Enhanced driver’s license or identification card
- Other federally-approved forms of identification. They are listed online, but include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Minnesota began issuing REAL ID licenses and identification cards in October 2018, but as of March 4, 2025, only 40.09 percent of Minnesotans have signed up. If your summer plans include domestic air travel, now is the time to get this taken care of so your plans don’t get upended at the last minute.
To apply for your REAL ID, you will need to prove your identity, date of birth and legal U.S. presence; provide your Social Security number; and provide documents proving your current Minnesota residency. For more information on the application process and an estimate of how long it will take to get your updated license or ID card, visit the MN Department of Public Safety website for complete details.