A new driver’s license system capable of issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards in Minnesota launched on Monday, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS).

Minnesotans are now able to apply for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards, but they have until Oct. 1, 2020, to obtain one if they choose. To help reduce wait times, state officials are suggesting residents wait to apply unless they need to change their name or address or need to renew their current license.

A new pre-application feature will allow Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their driver’s license or ID card application online – including REAL ID applications – reducing the time spent in driver’s license offices.

The online feature, which will also be available on mobile devices, includes the list of required documents for each license type so applicants can have all necessary documents ready when they visit a driver’s license office.

Minnesota has a few identification options from which residents may choose.

Determining which type of license or ID card works best depends on what a person needs to use the card for.

• Minnesota standard driver’s license of ID card:  These can be used as a valid form of identification and for lawful driving privileges. These cards are also an acceptable form of ID for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities. While these cards will continue to be a valid form of identification and driving privileges, they will not be accepted for domestic air travel or access to federal facilities beginning Oct. 1, 2020. Another form of identification, such as a valid passport, REAL ID or Enhanced Driver’s License, will be required for air travel or access to federal facilities.

• Enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced ID card (EID): In addition to being a valid form of identification and indicating lawful driving privileges, EDLs and EIDs can be used as a border crossing document to re-enter the U.S. by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean beginning Oct. 1, 2020. They can also be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities, and are only issued to U.S. citizens.

• Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID Card: REAL ID-compliant cards will be an accepted form of identification for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities beginning Oct. 1, 2020. These cards can be used as a valid form of identification and for lawful driving privileges. These cards cannot be used as border crossing documents.

Applicants should have all required documentation with them at the time of application. A list of required documents for all three Minnesota driver’s license and ID options can be found at REALID.dps.mn.gov.