Documents for a Minnesota permit, license or REAL ID

Standard license, permit or ID

Bring two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary. Primary documents include a passport from any country, a certified birth certificate from any country, a consular ID with your photo, or a tribal ID card. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a school transcript, a marriage certificate or an old license with a photo.

Since October 1, 2023, Minnesota's Driver's License for All law means you can get a standard card whatever your immigration status. You don't need to prove legal presence for a standard card.

REAL ID: what you need

• One document for identity and date of birth, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa and Form I-94.
• Your full Social Security number. You don't need the card, just the number.
• Two different proofs of Minnesota residence with your name and address, no P.O. boxes. Examples are a utility bill or bank statement from the last 12 months, a lease, a pay stub, a tax return, or a Minnesota vehicle title.
• Proof of every name change since birth if your names don't match, such as a certified marriage certificate or court order.

Do you need a REAL ID?

Since federal enforcement began in 2025, Minnesotans 18 and older can't board a domestic flight with a standard license or ID. You need a REAL ID, a Minnesota enhanced license or ID, or another accepted document such as a valid U.S. passport. A valid U.S. passport works for flights too, so you can choose.

Tips that save a second trip

• Pre-apply online and upload REAL ID documents ahead, then bring the originals to a driver's license office.
• Documents that aren't in English need a qualified translation with a Certificate of Translation. The translator can't be a relative.
• Under 18, one residence document can come from a parent or guardian at the same address, if they come with you.
• Laminated or altered documents may be refused.