What Minnesota Real ID Is and Why It Matters

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another federally accepted form of ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building in the United States. A Minnesota driver's license or ID card without the Real ID mark will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

Minnesota's Real ID looks like a standard driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The gold star is the only visual difference — it signals to TSA agents and federal building security that your document meets the federal standard. If your current license does not have this star, you will need to renew it or get a replacement before May 2025 if you plan to fly domestically or visit federal facilities.

You do not have to get Real ID. If you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings, your regular Minnesota license remains valid for driving and most other purposes. However, if you travel by air within the United States or need to enter a federal courthouse, military base, or other find federal building, Real ID is now required.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota Real ID is a driver's license or ID card with a gold star that meets federal security standards required for domestic air travel and federal building entry as of May 7, 2025.
  • You must provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of lawful presence to get Real ID at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • Real ID costs the same as a standard license renewal — $48 for an eight-year license or $24 for a four-year license — and takes about 15 minutes in person.
  • You cannot renew Real ID by mail or online; you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and bring original documents.
  • If you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you can keep your current license without Real ID.

Documents You Need to Bring to Get Real ID

Minnesota requires four categories of documents to issue Real ID. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The state will not return your documents, so bring only what you can leave behind.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal from the vital records office, not a photocopy or hospital record.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A document with your full nine-digit number is required.

Proof of Minnesota residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Minnesota address. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Proof of lawful presence: A U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or valid visa. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate satisfies this requirement.

how the process works for Real ID at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Office

You must explore in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no online or mail option for Real ID. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times.

Bring all four categories of documents listed above, your current driver's license or ID card, and payment. Arrive early — many offices have long waits, especially near the May 2025 important date. Some offices accept online appointment scheduling, which can reduce wait time significantly. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

At the counter, tell the staff member you want Real ID. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your Real ID card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent Real ID card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Cost and Timing for Minnesota Real ID

Real ID costs the same as a standard license renewal. An eight-year license costs $48; a four-year license costs $24. You pay at the counter when you explore. Minnesota accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Processing time depends on when you explore. If you explore now, your card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. As the May 2025 important date approaches, processing may take longer due to high volume. The state has not announced delays yet, but explore early reduces the risk of not receiving your card before the important date.

Your Real ID is valid for the same period as a standard license — eight years for most adults, four years for drivers over 65. You renew it the same way you renew a standard license, though you will need to bring documents again at renewal time.

What Happens If You Do Not Have Real ID After May 7, 2025

If you try to board a domestic flight without Real ID or another federally accepted ID after May 7, 2025, TSA will not let you through security. You will be turned away and will miss your flight. TSA will not issue a temporary pass or exception.

Federally accepted alternatives to Real ID include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, permanent resident card, or trusted traveler program card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS). If you have any of these, you do not need Real ID to fly domestically.

If you do not fly domestically and do not enter federal buildings, your current Minnesota license remains valid for driving and state purposes indefinitely. There is no important date to convert a standard license to Real ID if you do not need it for federal purposes.

Real ID Scams and How to Avoid Them

Scammers are sending emails and texts claiming to be from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, offering to process Real ID for a fee or asking you to verify your information online. These are fraudulent. Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services does not contact people by email or text to offer Real ID services, and there is no online Real ID process.

Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts about Real ID. Do not provide your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you first. If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and report it to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.

To get Real ID safely, visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office in person or call the office directly using the phone number on the state's official website. Never use a phone number from an email or text message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID by mail or online?

No. Real ID must be renewed in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew it by mail or online, even if you have held Real ID before. You must bring documents again at renewal time.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A U.S. passport or passport card is federally accepted for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You do not need Real ID if you have a valid passport. However, if you prefer to use your driver's license for travel, you will need Real ID.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find a certified birth certificate?

Contact the Minnesota Department of Health, Vital Records office, to order a certified birth certificate. You can order online, by mail, or by phone. Processing takes several business days. If you need Real ID urgently, order the birth certificate first, then schedule your Driver and Vehicle Services appointment once you receive it.

Can I get Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have lawful presence in the United States. Lawful presence includes permanent residents (green card holders), people with valid work visas, and people with valid travel documents. Bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document, or other proof of lawful presence to your appointment.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver and Vehicle Services office will verify both documents and issue Real ID in your current legal name.