Can I Use My MN Driver’s License to Fly? A Closer Look at REAL ID Requirements
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, many Minnesotans are wondering, “Can I use my MN driver’s license to fly?” The answer is both simple and complex, as it depends on whether your license is compliant with the REAL ID Act.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards were put in place to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents and help prevent identity theft and fraud. The Act also created a set of federally approved identification documents that can be used for domestic air travel and entry into federal facilities.
In order to be compliant with the REAL ID Act, a driver’s license must have certain security features and meet specific requirements. These requirements include verifying the identity of the applicant, validating the source of the documents used to obtain the license, and conducting background checks on individuals who handle driver’s licenses. Additionally, compliant licenses must include a machine-readable zone, a barcode, and a star symbol in the upper right corner.
For those wondering, “Can I use my MN driver’s license to fly?” the answer is yes – as long as it is a REAL ID-compliant license. The state of Minnesota began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses in October 2018, and residents have been able to upgrade their licenses since then. However, if your license is not compliant with the REAL ID Act, you will need to provide an alternative form of identification to board a domestic flight.
The deadline for REAL ID compliance has been extended multiple times, but the current deadline is October 1, 2021. After this date, all travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic flight. This means that if you do not have a compliant license by the deadline, you will need to provide another form of approved identification, such as a passport or a military ID.
In addition to being able to use a REAL ID-compliant license for domestic air travel, these licenses can also be used to enter federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants. Having a REAL ID-compliant license can save you the hassle of carrying around multiple forms of identification and make it easier to travel domestically.
To upgrade your MN driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant license, you will need to visit a Minnesota Department of Public Safety office and provide documentation to verify your identity. This documentation may include a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency. Once you have provided the necessary documents and paid the required fee, you will receive a new REAL ID-compliant license in the mail within a few weeks.
To ensure that you are prepared for the upcoming deadline, it is important to check the status of your MN driver’s license and see if it is compliant with the REAL ID Act. If your license is not compliant, make plans to upgrade it as soon as possible to avoid any travel disruptions after October 1, 2021.
In conclusion, the answer to the question, “Can I use my MN driver’s license to fly?” is yes, as long as it is a REAL ID-compliant license. With the deadline for REAL ID compliance quickly approaching, it is important for all Minnesotans to check the status of their licenses and upgrade to a compliant license if necessary. By taking action now, you can ensure that you have the necessary identification to travel domestically and access federal facilities without any issues.
