Minnesotans could face air travel delays if they don’t have REAL ID identification

Many Minnesotans or other passengers flying through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) could face extra screening and air travel delays if they don’t meet REAL ID standards that will be enforced beginning May 7.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shared that message at an MSP news conference Tuesday, approximately one month before it begins enforcing the federal air travel ID requirement at all U.S. airport screening checkpoints, including those at MSP.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP, invited TSA’s Minnesota federal security director and the director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division to share how the new law could impact travelers and emphasize that residents can still apply for the proper identification beyond the deadline, especially if they have trips planned this summer.

“Now is the time for anyone age 18 years and older who plans to travel after May 7 to ensure they have an acceptable form of identification once REAL ID enforcement begins,” said TSA Minnesota Federal Security Director Marty Robinson. “As the deadline approaches, we appreciate the continued support from the Metropolitan Airports Commission and Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services as we work together to ensure passengers are prepared and REAL ID-ready when they fly.”

Identity verification is foundational to air travel security. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification. REAL ID-compliant IDs include certain state-issued driver’s licenses, state-issued identification cards, or other acceptable form of federal IDs, such as a U.S. passport. The latest TSA guidance on REAL ID can be found here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification​

The current processing time for a Minnesota REAL ID driver’s license or Minnesota enhanced driver’s license — which is also compliant with the new REAL ID Act — is about 45 days from application. That’s too late for those traveling in the first few weeks of the new REAL ID enforcement period. However, there is still time to apply for the identification for those with travel plans beyond May.

“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy their travel plans this summer and beyond,” said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “Minnesotans who want a REAL ID should allow enough time to have their card in hand before needing to board a plane.”

Applying for REAL ID-compliant identification requires additional documents compared to a standard driver’s license or ID card. DVS says residents must provide documents that prove identity, date of birth and a legal U.S. presence as well as current Minnesota residency. They will also need to know their Social Security number. The most common documents Minnesotans use to apply for REAL ID identification are a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.

It’s important to note that many travelers will opt to use a U.S. passport or other federally accepted form of ID for domestic air travel. Visit the DVS online resource for REAL ID information to get the latest approved REAL ID options, and the documents needed to apply for a Minnesota REAL ID-compliant identification.

The Department of Homeland Security also offers REAL ID licensing resources for all states or territories.