Are You Prepared for the REAL ID Deadline in 2025? Steps for Minnesota Residents!

As the May 7, 2025, deadline approaches, Minnesota residents must ensure their driver’s licenses or identification cards comply with the federal REAL ID Act to continue using them for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.

The REAL ID Act, enacted by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, only IDs that meet these standards will be accepted for federal purposes.

Understanding REAL ID Compliance

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner. This symbol indicates that the ID meets federal security standards.

Without a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals will need to present alternative acceptable documentation, such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID, for federal purposes.

How to Determine If Your Minnesota ID Is REAL ID-Compliant?

To verify if your Minnesota driver’s license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a star in the upper right-hand corner of your card.

If your ID lacks this star, it is not compliant, and you will need to take action before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Steps to Obtain a REAL ID-Compliant Minnesota ID

1. Gather Required Documents: You will need to provide specific documents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. These include:
   • Proof of Identity: Such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. passport.
   • Proof of Social Security Number: Such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with your full Social Security number.
   • Two Proofs of Minnesota Residency: Such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements.
   • Proof of Name Change (if applicable): Such as a marriage certificate or court order.
   Ensure all documents are original or certified copies, as photocopies are not accepted.
2. Visit a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) Office: REAL ID applications must be processed in person. Locate a convenient DPS-DVS office and consider scheduling an appointment to reduce wait times.
3. Submit Your Application: Present your documents to the DPS-DVS representative, complete the application process, and have your photograph taken. There will be a fee associated with obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.

Alternative Acceptable Forms of Identification

If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you can use other forms of federally accepted identification for air travel and access to federal facilities. These include:

• A valid U.S. passport or passport card
• A DHS trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card

For a complete list of acceptable identification documents, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

Read More:

• Will Your Michigan Driver’s License Meet REAL ID Standards? Get Ready Before 2025!
• Will Your Nevada Driver’s License Meet the REAL ID Standard in 2025?

Consequences of Non-Compliance

After May 7, 2025, individuals without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or an alternative acceptable form of identification, will not be permitted to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

To avoid travel disruptions or denied entry to federal buildings, it’s crucial to obtain a REAL ID-compliant ID before the deadline.

Additional Resources

For more information on obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) website.

The site provides detailed instructions, answers to frequently asked questions, and an interactive document guide to help you prepare for your visit.

To learn more about the REAL ID Act and its requirements, refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official page on REAL ID.

Conclusion

With the May 7, 2025, deadline approaching, Minnesota residents need to ensure their identification is REAL ID-compliant.

By understanding the requirements and taking timely action, you can continue to use your ID for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities without interruption.

Gather the necessary documents, visit your local DPS-DVS office, and obtain your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card well before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience.

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