Minnesota REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Minnesota drivers will need to upgrade to a REAL ID-certified license before May 2023 if they plan on flying domestically.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Starting May 2023, the TSA will require passengers to present a REAL ID-certified Minnesota driver’s license to board domestic flights. Those without a REAL ID will be limited to other forms of identification.
Although you need a driver’s license to drive, its usefulness doesn't stop at the road. A license can help you vote, enter a bar, or board a plane. But starting May 2023, you can only use a license with the REAL-ID star before boarding a domestic flight.
If you’re confused about what a REAL ID is (or just need a refresher),
Jerry
—the app you can trust to save you money on
car insurance
—has your back. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to get a REAL ID in Minnesota to what led to the requirements. Plus, we'll share some hints to help you lower your
Minnesota car insurance costs
.
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What is REAL ID?

REAL IDs are a security increase that resulted from 9/11 that has been a long time coming. Congress passed the
REAL ID Act
in 2005 to enhance identification standards. After a lengthy rollout, enforcement of the act will come in May 2023.

Who needs a REAL ID?

Starting May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required to:
  • Enter a nuclear power plant
  • Access certain federal facilities (military bases)
  • Board domestic, commercial flights
While most people won’t be too concerned about restrictions on nuclear plants or military bases, REAL ID use is beginning to catch on. Roughly 24% of Minnesota drivers already have a REAL ID-certified license—due in part to REAL IDs being the new DMV standard. 
Unless you plan on bringing a passport, you should get a REAL ID before 2023 before any domestic flights. For a list of alternate documents, explore the
TSA website
.
Key Takeaway REAL ID requirements are rolling out in 2023, meaning you’ll need a REAL ID-certified license to board domestic flights.

How to get a Minnesota REAL ID

Obtaining a Minnesota REAL ID is relatively simple. First, visit your local
DMV
office and present the attendant with the following documents:
  • One document proving identity and date of birth
  • One document proving social security
  • Two documents proving Minnesota residence
If everything checks out, you’ll get your REAL ID by mail after paying a small license
fee
. For additional document information, check out the
DMV homepage
.
MORE: Minnesota Electric Vehicle Incentives
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How to save money on car insurance in Minnesota

Sure—you’ll soon need a REAL ID-compliant Minnesotan license to fly domestically. But if you plan to get around the old-fashioned way (your land vehicle of choice), it can’t hurt to have the right
car insurance
.
With
Jerry
, you’ll be shown competitive, personalized quotes based on a comparison of 50+ top insurance providers to help you find the lowest rate on the coverage you need. All you need to do is download the
trustworthy super app
and enter your information. 
On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on car insurance! 
“My previous insurer of 5 years hiked up my rates. I looked to
Jerry
, and they gave me a Progressive policy that saves me over $100 a month. If anyone is car insurance shopping, you need to give Jerry a try.” —Farrah N. 
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FAQs

You should consider getting a REAL ID if you fly domestically—otherwise, you’ll need a passport. For more information on what will soon be restricted by REAL IDs, explore this survey from the
Department of Homeland Security
.
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