Minnesota REAL ID
REAL ID cards offer federal identification when boarding domestic flights. Standard Minnesota ID/Licence cards will be valid for state identification and driving even after 5/7/25, but will not be valid for federal identification or domestic flights unless you also provide a current, valid passport.
Apply for REAL ID at SLP DMV
Visit SLP DMV to apply for REAL ID. Pre-apply online to reduce your time at the counter!
What do I Need to Apply for REAL ID?
You will need at least four documents to apply for a REAL ID. See the chart below for a description of the needed documentation, as well as the most commonly used documents that fulfill those requirements.
Required Documents for REAL ID
- Required documents must be printed out
- Laminated documents are not accepted
- The same document cannot be used for
more than one requirement
| Required Document Description | Most Commonly Used Documentation | Full List of Accepted Documentation |
|---|---|---|
|
One (1) document proving:
If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person's current name, a name change document must be submitted. |
Unexpired Passport or Birth Certificate |
See all accepted documents for identity, DoB, and legal presence |
| One (1) document proving social security number If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID. |
Social Security Card |
See all accepted documents for social security number |
| Two (2) different documents proving current residency in Minnesota Must have applicant’s name as used at print and current address in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not suffice as proof of current residency in Minnesota. |
Unexpired MN Driver's License/ID (must have current address) Bank/Credit Card Statement issued in the last 12 months |
See all accepted documents for current residency |
Yes: If you need to board a domestic flight on or after 5/7/25 AND any of the following apply:
- You do not have a valid passport
- You do not want to carry your passport for domestic travel
- You do not have an Enhanced ID card
No: If you need to board a domestic flight on or after 5/7/25 AND any of the following apply:
- You have a current passport that you are willing to carry for all domestic flights
- You have an Enhanced ID card
- You will not need to board any flights
Standard driver's license cards will continue to be valid for the following after 5/7/25:
- Driving
- Voting or registering to vote
- Entering federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
- Applying or receiving federal benefits
- Accessing health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement or constitutionally-protected activities (including a defendant's access to court proceedings)
- Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services publishes on their website the dates of ID & license applications they are currently processing. You may use this information as a reference for how long it may take to receive your new card.
REAL ID Application Processing Times
Processing times may increase as more applications for REAL ID are submitted.
When applying for a REAL ID, if the name on the document(s) is not the same as the name you currently use, one of the name change document listed below must be submitted:
- Certification of marriage certified by the issuing government jurisdiction
- Certified court order that specifies the name change
- Certified divorce decree or dissolution of marriage that specifies the name change
The TSA does not require children under age 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.
You can compare the differences between a REAL ID and an Enhanced card with the chart on our Driver's Licenses, Permits & ID Cards page.
Pre-Apply for REAL ID Online
Save time at the counter by completing the online pre-application!
Documents Accepted to Prove Identity, Date of Birth and Legal Presence in the US
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport, passport booklet or passport card
- Certified copy of birth certificate issued by a government bureau of vital statistics or equivalent agency in the applicant's state of birth. This must bear the raised or authorized seal of the issuing government entity
- Consular report of birth abroad, certification of report of birth, or certification of birth abroad (form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) issued by the United States Department of State
- Valid, unexpired permanent resident card (Form I551) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice
- Certificate of naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security
- Certificate of citizenship (Form N-560 or Form N-561) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security or by the United States Department of Justice
- Unexpired employment authorization document (form I-766 or I-688B) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security
- Valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired U.S. visa accompanied by a Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant’s most recent lawful admittance into the US. If the Form I-94 is endorsed “DS” then a Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-551
Documents Accepted to Prove Social Security Number
- Social security card
- Federal form W2
- Federal form 22a_1099 or other federal form 1099 with social security number on the form
- Computer-printed US employment pay stub with name, address and social security number
If a foreign passport is used for evidence of identity or date of birth, additional documentation demonstrating non work authorized status may be needed to verify non-eligibility for a Social Security number.
Documents Accepted to Prove Current Residency in Minnesota
- Valid, unexpired Minnesota driver's license or instruction permit (current address must be listed)
- Valid, unexpired Minnesota ID card (current address must be listed)
- Home utility services bill issued no more than 12 months days before the application
- This document will not be accepted if two unrelated people are listed on the bill
- United States bank pr financial information with account numbers redacted including (not issued more than 12 months before REAL ID application. Note: Only one of the two REAL ID required residency documents can be a financial document):
- Bank account statement
- Canceled Check
- Credit card statement
- Minnesota college or university ID card with certified transcript from the college or university, issued no more than 180 days before the application
- Employment pay stub issued no more than 12 months before the application that lists the employer's name, address and telephone number
- Unexpired Minnesota professional license containing current Minnesota residential address
- Home utility services hook-up work order issued no more than 12 months before the application
- This document will not be accepted if two unrelated people are listed on the bill
- US high school identification card with certified transcript from the school issued no more than 180 days before the application
- Minnesota unemployment insurance benefit statement issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Statement from a housing with services building registered under chapter 144D, nursing home licensed under chapter 144A or a boarding care facility licensed under section 144.50 to 144.56 issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Life, health, automobile, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Federal or state income tax return or statement for the most recent filing year
- Minnesota property tax statement for the current year that shows the applicant's principal residential address both on the mailing portion and portion stating what the property is being taxed
- Minnesota vehicle certificate of title issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Filed property deed or title for current resident issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Supplemental security income award statement issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Mortgage documents for the applicant's principal residence
- Residential lease agreement for the applicant's principal residence issued no more than 12 months before the application
- Unexpired selective service card
- Military orders that are still in effect at the time of application
Lists and information provided by Driver and Vehicle Services, a Division of Minnesota Department of Public Safety. See the MN DVS site for more information.