Drivers Licenses and ID Cards
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To insure that your application can be processed the same day, please have your documents ready and arrive no later than 4:15pm.  Our building hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm.
For faster service you can pre-apply at drive.mn.gov and click pre-apply for a Driver's License or ID.

*Our office is now accepting reinstatement fees*
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID enforcement to May 7, 2025.

 Minnesota has three identification options from which residents may choose:

1. Standard Driver's License or ID Card

  • A standard driver's license or ID card can be used for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until May 7, 2025
  • Starting May 7, 2025, these won't be acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel or federal use.
  • Valid for identification purposes and for lawful driving privileges, if applicable.

2. REAL ID Compliant Driver's Licenses or ID Card

  • A REAL ID driver's license or ID card can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
  • Can be issued to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
  • Cannot be used as a border crossing document.
  • Valid for identification purposes and for lawful driving privileges, if applicable.

3. Enhanced Driver's License or ID Card

  • Can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities now and after May 7, 2025.
  • Can be used as a U.S. border crossing document by land or by sea only.
  • Only issued to U.S. citizens ages 16 and older.
  • Valid for identification purposes, and for lawful driving privileges, if applicable.

REAL ID Ready?  Minnesotans Have Options

Beginning May 7, 2025​, Minnesotans, 18 years of age or older, will not be able to use their standard driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:

  • Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
  • Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card.
  • Other federally-approved form of identification. They are listed online here, but include:
    • U.S. passport or passport card.
    • Foreign government-issued passport
    • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
    • Permanent resident card
    • Border crossing card
    • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
    • U.S. Department of defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

*Upgrading is completely optional and NOT required*

 

If you are not sure which license type is right for you, select the Help Me Choose a Type of License or ID tool at drive.mn.gov.​

More information and the list of required documents please go to License/ID Options.

 Check for the Star

 Not sure if you have a REAL ID driver's license or ID card?

  • REAL ID: Minnesota REAL ID driver's licenses and identification cards display a star in the top right corner.
  • Enhanced: Enhanced driver's licenses and identification cards display the words "Enhanced Driver's License" or "Enhanced Identification Card" and a U.S. flagCards issued after Jan. 1, 2021, also display the star to show the card meets REAL ID requirements. 
  • Standard: A standard driver's licenses or identification card displays the words "Not for Federal Identification".

You can verify the type of card you have online at drive.mn.gov.  Select More Driver Services from the Driver Services panel and click the Driver's License Status link. ​

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