Officials say wait to get your Real ID

Minnesota residents can now receive their Real ID driver’s license. However, DMVs across the state are urging residents to wait if their current license has yet to expire.

“You don’t have to have it until October 2020,” says Bruce Jindra a Regional Manager with the Hennepin County Service Center in Maple Grove.

While the new licensees are available Monday October 1, both local DMVs and state officials are urging citizens to hold off on getting their new ID.

“Wait to visit an office,” says Mona Dohman a Public Safety Commissioner with the state of Minnesota.  “Unless you need to change your name, change your address, or renew your current driver’s license, please wait on heading to the DMV. This will help you, because it will help reduce the amount of time you spend in line.”

Current ID Will Work Until October 2020

Your current license will suffice for now. In October 2020, standard drivers licenses wont be accepted as a form of federal identification. This means people can’t use it to enter federal facilities or to board domestic flights. With the new changes in place, there will now be three options available when you go to renew your license.

“You have the standard driver’s license which is valid for driving privileges,” says Jindra.  “The real identification driver’s license card or compliance card is good after 2020 for domestic flight and access to federal buildings. Then the enhanced driver’s license acts as a border crossing document for land and sea crossing into the United States and out. That form of identification is able to be used when entering or exiting countries like Canada or Mexico.”

Those getting their new license should make sure that they are going to the proper facility to receive it. Not all DMVs can issue the new licenses.

“There are limited agents that can only do duplicate applications,” added Jindra. “For first time application of a real ID or enhanced driver’s license that has to be processed through a full agent, such as one of the Hennepin County service centers. Or, one of the state testing stations they would be able to help with that as well.”

What you Need to Obtain Real ID

The Real ID renewal fee will be the same price as the standard Minnesota driver’s license. To receive an enhanced ID, there will be additional fifteen dollars added to the price.

For more details about the new real ID’s click here. For a list of required documents you will need to get your new ID click here.