By Wright County Communications
We’ve heard this story before, but it looks we are just two months away from REAL ID being required for people ages 18 and older to board airplanes or enter certain federal facilities within the U.S.
The Minnesota Department of Driver & Vehicle Services is telling Minnesotans that, despite numerous delays in the REAL ID deadline over the last decade, on May 7, 2025, REAL ID or and Enhanced License will be required. The concern in Minnesota is the lack of compliance among residents. Through mid-February, only 40 percent of eligible Minnesotans have the gold star in the upper right corner of their license or ID card, which signifies you have REAL ID. There is no additional cost to have REAL ID instead of a standard driver’s license, but those who must travel by air, whether for vacation, business or an emergency will need to have their license or identification card upgraded (or have a valid passport) to board an airplane going anywhere.
There is expected to be a surge in the weeks leading up to the deadline, so for those who have yet to make the change, DVS is suggesting getting it done sooner than later. Visit dps.mn.gov for a full list of required documents to get REAL ID or an enhanced license.