Minnesota has a few identification options for residents to choose from.
- Standard driver's license or ID card.
- Enhanced driver's license or ID card (EDL/EID).
- REAL ID - compliant driver's license or ID card.
Determining which type of license or ID card works best depends on what a person needs to use the card for.
Standard Driver's License or ID Card
- A standard license or ID card can be used for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until Oct. 1, 2020.
- After October 2020, these won't be acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel or federal use.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
Enhanced Driver's License or ID Card
- Can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities now and will continue to be acceptable forms of identification for federal purposes even after October 2020.
- Can be used as U.S. border crossing documents.
- Only issued to U.S. citizens.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
REAL ID Compliant Driver's Licenses or ID Card
- REAL ID driver's licenses or ID cards can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
- Issued to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
- Cannot be used as boarder crossing documents.
- Valid for identification purposes.
- Valid for lawful driving privileges.
Find out which license or ID card best fits your needs by reviewing a full comparison chart.
Additional Information for EDL/REAL ID applications
- You must provide original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them. Digital documents shown on your phone or other electronic device will not be accepted.
- If your name has changed, you must submit proof of each name change. Acceptable proof includes a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree or dissolution or marriage, or a court-ordered name change.
- Two different document types must be submitted for PROOF OF MINNESOTA RESIDENCY. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as an address for proof of Minnesota Residency.
- If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.
- Laminated documents or documents with any alterations of erasures will not be accepted.