Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel in the US. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a star marking at the top right. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted as valid IDs at airports. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use a passport or other acceptable forms of identification to fly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a standard Minnesota driver's license be used at the airport? | Until May 7, 2025, a standard Minnesota driver's license can be used at the airport. |
| Alternatives to a Minnesota driver's license at the airport | State-issued photo ID card, passport, U.S. military ID card, or another federally-approved form of identification. |
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What You'll Learn
- Minnesota residents can use a standard driver's license until May 2025
- A passport can be used instead of a driver's license
- A Minnesota Real ID driver's license is required for domestic and international flights from May 2025
- An enhanced driver's license allows border crossing to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
- A standard driver's license can be used with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs
Minnesota residents can use a standard driver's license until May 2025
Minnesota residents can continue to use a standard driver's license to board domestic flights until May 2025. This deadline has been pushed back several times, and it is currently set for 7 May 2025, when new federal laws will require a Minnesota "Real ID" driver's license or identification card to board any domestic or international commercial flight.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards. It established that federal agencies could not accept non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes. In response to this act, Minnesota began issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards in October 2018. Obtaining a Minnesota Real ID is not mandatory, but it will be required for certain activities, including boarding domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and accessing certain government services.
Until the deadline in May 2025, Minnesota residents can use a standard driver's license, a state-issued photo ID card, a passport, or a U.S. Military ID card when boarding a plane from Minnesota St. Paul International Airport (MSP). However, it is important to note that a standard driver's license will not be accepted for air travel after the deadline.
As an alternative to the Minnesota Real ID, residents can also obtain an enhanced driver's license or identification card, which meets the standards of the Real ID Act. To obtain an enhanced card, individuals must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old. This type of card allows reentry to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. However, it does not replace a passport for air travel.
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A passport can be used instead of a driver's license
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. However, passengers can use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. A passport can be used as a valid form of photo ID and is commonly accepted at many places where identification is required.
While a passport can be used instead of a driver's license in certain situations, there are some differences between the two. A passport is typically larger in size than a driver's license due to the pages for passport stamps, making it harder to carry. Additionally, the process for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport is more complicated and expensive than replacing a driver's license. Obtaining a passport also generally requires more documentation and is more expensive than obtaining a state-issued ID. For example, in Minnesota, individuals can obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or a Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card, as alternatives to a passport.
It is worth noting that the documentation required to obtain a passport is similar to that needed for a government-issued state ID. In some cases, additional documentation may be necessary if an individual does not have a driver's license or state ID to present with their passport application. For example, when applying for a U.S. passport, individuals must provide a physical, primary photo ID along with a photocopy of the ID. An unexpired, undamaged U.S. passport book or card is considered a valid primary photo ID. Other acceptable forms of primary photo ID include an in-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with a photo.
In summary, a passport can be used as an alternative form of identification instead of a driver's license, especially when boarding domestic flights or accessing certain federal facilities. While a passport is a valid and commonly accepted form of identification, there are some differences and additional considerations when obtaining and using a passport as opposed to a driver's license.
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A Minnesota Real ID driver's license is required for domestic and international flights from May 2025
From May 7, 2025, a Minnesota Real ID driver's license will be required for domestic and international flights. This is in line with the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes.
Until the change in May 2025, Minnesotan travelers can use other identification documents when boarding a plane, including a state-issued driver's license, state-issued photo ID card, passport, or U.S. Military ID card. However, it is important to note that a Minnesota Real ID will be required for certain federal purposes, such as entering federal facilities and accessing certain government services.
An alternative to the Minnesota Real ID driver's license is the Minnesota Enhanced driver's license, which also meets the standards of REAL ID. This option is available to U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and allows land or sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. However, it does not replace a passport for air travel.
To be REAL ID-compliant, individuals must ensure they have one of the accepted forms of identification, as federal agencies will no longer accept non-compliant forms from May 2025 onwards. This change will impact those traveling on domestic and international flights, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure you have the correct documentation before traveling.
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An enhanced driver's license allows border crossing to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
As of May 7, 2025, Americans, including Minnesotans, will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. This is due to the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, which sets standards for the issuance of identification documents and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs.
Minnesotans have three options to continue boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities:
- Obtain a Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
- Apply for a Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card, which is a low-cost, convenient option that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea.
- Present another federally-approved form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or U.S. Department of Defense ID.
The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is particularly useful for those wishing to cross the U.S. border to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea. It serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship and includes technology, such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, that facilitates travel. However, it is important to note that an EDL cannot be used for air travel to Canada; a passport is required for flying into the country. Additionally, those with a DUI or similar offense on their record may be denied entry into Canada, regardless of whether they have a U.S. passport or an EDL.
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A standard driver's license can be used with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs
As of May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports in the United States. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. However, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
One option is to enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows travelers to use expedited security screening lanes at participating US airports. To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must provide proof of identity and citizenship, such as an unexpired US passport or an unexpired REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Other accepted documents include an unexpired US military ID card, an unexpired DHS/TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a US birth certificate, or a US Certificate of Citizenship.
Another option is to enroll in the Global Entry program, which provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States. A Global Entry card meets all the requirements for a REAL ID and can be used as a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. To apply for Global Entry, you must have a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and submit your passport book with your application.
It's important to note that the requirements for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry may change, and it's always a good idea to check the latest information on their official websites before applying. Additionally, some states may have specific requirements or deadlines for REAL ID compliance, so it's recommended to check with your local DMV for more information.
In summary, while a standard driver's license can be used for air travel within the United States until May 2025, enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can provide expedited security screening and serve as valid forms of identification beyond that date.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your Minnesota driver's license as identification at the airport until May 7, 2025. After that, you will need a Minnesota "Real ID" driver's license to board any domestic or international commercial flight.
Other acceptable forms of identification at the airport include a passport, passport card, U.S. Military ID card, or another federally-approved form of identification.
A "Real ID" driver's license is a type of driver's license that meets federal standards for identification purposes. It includes additional security features and verification processes to ensure the authenticity of the document and the identity of the individual holding it.
You can obtain a "Real ID" driver's license from your local DMV.
A "Real ID" driver's license will be required for certain federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and accessing certain government services. It may also provide expedited clearance for travelers entering the United States through programs such as Global Entry.
