Real ID is One Year Away (What You Need to Know)

One year from today, you will need a new 'Real ID' Minnesota drivers license in order to get on a domestic flight. Your old DL won't cut it starting on October 1, 2020.

I went to the Stearns County Service Center in Waite Park and applied for mine yesterday. The other option is an 'Enhanced ID' Minnesota drivers license, which offers everything the 'Real ID' does, plus the ability to enter a foreign country by land or sea (without a passport). It will also cost you an additional $15.

I opted for the cheaper 'Real ID,' since I also have a passport. All in, including fees charged for paying with plastic, my new 'Real ID' drivers license cost me $50.

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The State of Minnesota is urging us to apply sooner than later, as less than 10% of Minnesotans have the new 'Real ID' license, and expect there to be a rush on them as the 2020 deadline approaches.

I was told yesterday that I could expect mine to arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.

Insider Tip: You can do much of the paperwork online ahead of time, then bring your confirmation in to the DMV and save a ton of time. I don't think I was there more than ten minutes yesterday. Pre-apply for your Real or Enhanced ID HERE.

Applying for a 'Real ID' requires you to produce additional documents. You'll need one document to prove identity, date of birth, and legal presence in the U.S. You'll need another document to prove your Social Security number. And finally, a document proving your current residence in Minnesota. You can see the full list of accepted documents HERE.