What you need to know about REAL ID
As you might know, Minnesota will begin issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses on October 1. If you need a refresher, Real ID is the law passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 to establish a universal set of standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards. The new standards come with enhanced security features, helpful for boarding domestic flights and for entering federal buildings.
You won’t need a REAL ID-compliant license until 2020, and even once that date passes, your standard license will continue to be acceptable for regular driving, ordering beer at a Twins game, or attending age-restricted concerts.
You will never be forced to purchase a REAL ID. You will only need one for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities.
A few things to keep in mind.
First, if you renew your license prior to October 1, your ID new license will not be REAL ID-compliant. You will need to reapply for a REAL ID once they are issued.
Second, if you choose to apply for a REAL ID before your standard license expires, you will be charged an early renewal fee. An additional four years will be added to your expiration date, however.
Third, the cost for a REAL ID is the same as a standard driver’s license; the fee for early renewal is $2 if renewal is 17 months before expiration, $4 if 18-29 months before expiration, and $6 if more than 29 months before expiration
So what are your options? You will have three choices.
Standard Driver’s License or ID card: These licenses, which you are currently using, will be acceptable for domestic flights and federal facilities until October of 2020. After that date, your standard license will remain valid for identification and driving purposes, but you will need an enhanced driver’s license or REAL ID-compliant license. Driver’s license cost: $25.25
Enhanced Driver’s License or ID card: These licenses can be used for domestic air travel and to enter federal facilities right now, and will continue to be acceptable once REAL-ID compliant licenses are available. In addition, these are valid at U.S. border crossings, for driving privileges, and standard identification. Driver’s license cost: $40.25
REAL ID-compliant License or ID card: You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant license beginning October 1, 2018. These licenses will be accepted for domestic flights and for entering federal facilities, as well as for driving privileges and standard identification. However, they cannot be used for border crossing documents. Driver’s license cost: $25.25.
I understand this can be confusing. Just remember that there is no need to rush; you have until October of 2020 before you’ll need to make a decision. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can visit the Department of Public Safety’s REAL ID website at https://realid.dps.mn.gov, call me at 651-296-5612, or email me at sen.mike.goggin@senate.mn.
This column originally ran in the Winona Daily News.