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Friends,
The deadline to comply with new federal ID standards arrives on October 1st and people are encouraged to sign up now and beat the rush that is likely to occur later this year.
Starting October 1, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
Reports show fewer than 10 percent of Minnesotans currently are compliant with the new federal ID standards and it is still taking several weeks for the state to turn around applications. As we get closer to that deadline, this turnaround delay may get worse before it gets better.
The biggest impact for most people probably centers on air travel, where Minnesota’s current standard ID/driver’s license will no longer suffice in boarding commercial, domestic flights. It is important to note passports still will qualify you to board if you prefer that method or if you find yourself unable to obtain a REAL ID by October 1.
It may be helpful to know there are additional documents needed to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or enhanced driver’s License or state ID card. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has information detailing the requirements and documents needed. DPS also has a pre-application online page to help speed up the process for processing an application for the REAL ID.
The legislation which allowed issuing REAL ID does not force anyone to participate in REAL ID, so people continue to be free to use their existing standard state ID if they choose. However, if that option is used those who decide to take that path should know their state ID will not suffice at the boarding gate.
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