The Real ID deadline is almost here. What does that mean in Minnesota if you don’t have one yet?

Within weeks, the U.S. government will require citizens to use a Real ID for air travel and access to federal buildings.

Many Minnesotans have already obtained Real ID licenses. As those who haven’t scramble to gather the documents needed to apply, state and federal officials offered tips on how to prepare.

A Real ID card is a form of identification broadly accepted by federal agencies. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 upon recommendation by a commission created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The act aims to set a minimum security standard for identification to increase safety.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will start enforcing the Real ID Act on May 7, 2025.

As of April 1, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said 40.82% of Minnesotans had a Real ID. On April 17, Minnesotans had:

Residents have reported lines that stretch out the doors of Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services offices, and officials say it will take around 45 days to process a Real ID after application.

An enhanced license complies with the Real ID Act, but can be used to cross national borders via car, truck or boat. Such licenses cannot be issued to non-U.S. citizens or applicants under 16.

Residents need a Real ID if they plan to travel through U.S. airports, or enter military bases or federal buildings. Standard ID cards will still work for tasks like driving, registering to vote, applying for health care and buying alcohol and tobacco.

Minnesotans who don’t know if they will need a Real ID can check online through the Department of Public Safety.

The Transportation Security Administration will allow residents without a Real ID to pass airport security if they bring documents such as:

A list of all identification that TSA will accept after the May 7 deadline is here. But the TSA has warned that after May 7, passengers without a Real ID “can expect to face delayed, additional screenings, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint,” according to the agency’s website.

Jessica Mayle, a regional spokesperson for the TSA who represents Minnesota and eight neighboring states, expects this year will mark a busy travel season. Mayle says TSA officials are ready and have prepared for the deadline over nearly a year.

“We have a lot of systems in place. Airports are making plans to try and minimize the impact on all the passengers who have the proper form of ID, and still making sure that we’re screening everyone properly,” Mayle said. “When you have a delay, it doesn’t just affect you, it affects everyone in line behind you. And we are focusing so much on this ID issue, but just a reminder that packing smart and not bringing prohibited items — that’s really key as well.”

Real IDs have a small gold star located in the upper right corner of your driver’s license.

It costs $46 for a Real ID — the same price as a standard driver’s license in Minnesota.

The bottom line, per DVS communications specialist Mark Karstedt, is that people should gather documents to prepare for the May 7 deadline now while considering when they will need the ID.

“The real message that needs to get out there is people don’t have to have a Real ID by May 7,” Karstedt said. “If you don’t have a passport, if you don’t have an enhanced driver’s license, and you’re planning on flying on or after May 7, you need something ... but not everybody is planning on doing that.”