Minnesotans will see newly designed driver’s licenses and ID cards in the coming weeks as the state transitions from the current cards that were first issued in 2004.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) unveiled the new designs on Monday. They will begin issuing the new cards for applications or renewals processed on or after Aug. 6.

Minnesotans do not need to obtain a new driver’s license or ID card unless their current card is expiring or they need to change their address or name. The current design and new design will be in circulation for the next four years, and both are valid forms of identification until they expire or are canceled. The cost for Minnesotans to apply for or renew a license will remain the same.

Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or identification cards expire before October 2018 should plan to renew their cards as they normally would. The renewed license will be valid for four years, barring a suspension or revocation.

Cardholders will see some differences in the new design:

• The new cards feature the State of Minnesota branding and colors;

• Under 21 cards will be vertical, making it easier for businesses to identify those not able to make purchases that are prohibited to minors; and

• Different color headings will identify instruction permits, commercial driver’s licenses and other card types.

The new cards have a variety of security features making them more difficult to forge including:

• A “ghost image” in the lower right corner is a repeat image of the cardholder’s portrait;

• A multi-colored and intricate background featuring the Mississippi River, a canoeist and a pine forest; and

• An image of a walleye embedded into the card stock that can be observed by holding the card up to a light source.

The new design will be applied to all driver’s license and ID cards issued by the State of Minnesota, including REAL ID-compliant cards and the Enhanced Driver’s License and ID cards.

DPS-DVS also announced that Minnesotans will be able to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card beginning in October 2018, but they will have two years to obtain one if they choose. That means Minnesotans will be able to use their standard licenses and ID cards for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until Oct. 1, 2020.

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) informed DPS-DVS during a compliance check-in earlier this year that the state was making the necessary progress to comply with the federal regulations.

REAL ID is a federal requirement that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses. When available in October 2018, REAL ID will be one of three options for Minnesotans when they renew their driver’s license or ID card.

For more information, visit dps.mn.gov.

Minnesota Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

May 17, 2017 –

REAL ID Legislation

The Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly passes a REAL ID bill, enabling the state to comply with federal regulations. The law directs DPS-DVS to make REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards available by October 1, 2018.

May 7, 2018 –

DHS: REAL IDs not required until 2020

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) informs DPS-DVS during a compliance check-in that the state is making the necessary progress to comply with federal REAL ID regulations. This means that Minnesotans will be able to use their current licenses and ID cards for federal purposes until October 1, 2020.

August 6, 2018 –

New Driver’s License /ID Design

DPS-DVS begins issuing newly designed driver’s licenses and ID cards for applications or renewals processed on or after August 6, 2018 as the state transitions from cards that were first issued in 2004.

October 1, 2018 –

REAL IDs Available in MN

Minnesotans will be able to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card October 2018, but they will have two years to obtain one if they choose. That means Minnesotans will be able to use their standard licenses and ID cards for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until October 1, 2020.

October 1, 2020 –

Federal REAL ID Enforcement

Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.