As the deadline approaches, Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) is reminding Minnesotans to apply for a REAL ID. Beginning October 1, 2020, U.S. federal law will require all citizens to use federally compliant identification, such as a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or an unexpired passport, to board airplanes, enter federal buildings, or visit military bases.

“Minnesota successfully became REAL ID compliment nearly three years ago, but unfortunately millions of Minnesotans are currently are still without a REAL ID. With the October 1 deadline fast approaching, I encourage everyone to apply now before the process potentially bottlenecks, and people are stuck waiting longer than expected for the IDs,” said Senator Hall. “In a recent hearing department already cautioned a 90 to 120 day wait time for a compliant REAL ID. I would hate any Minnesotans miss a flight because they decided to procrastinate or didn’t know, so please ensure that you go and get it done or are prepared with another method like an Enhanced ID or unexpired passport.”

Officials with the state’s Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division recently testified before the Joint Legislative Driver and Vehicle Systems Oversight Committee about the progress of REAL ID implementation. According to the department, of the more than four million Minnesotans with state-issued identification, only 330,000 have obtained a REAL ID, and 259,000 have obtained an enhanced ID. Approximately half of Minnesotans have a valid passport, according to state officials. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to bring the state’s identification cards into compliance with federal REAL ID standards.

Compared to the state’s standard identification cards, federal law requires individuals to provide additional documentation to be approved for a REAL ID. A full list of required documents can be found on the Department of Public Safety’s website. The department is also urging people to complete the online pre-application before visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services location, which also provides a comprehensive list of required documentation.