Here's How Fast You Can Get a REAL ID Right Now in Minnesota

We've been talking about the required REAL ID's for over two decades in Minnesota...and I finally got one. If you've been curious how long it takes to actually get a REAL ID in your hand in Minnesota, I have that answer. I'll share that fun adventure below, including the timeline.

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How Long It Takes Right Now To Get A REAL ID In Minnesota

I first have to say that getting a REAL ID is one of the most confusing things America has decided to enforce. Here's why...

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, a REAL-ID or passport is needed in order to fly within the United States or visit some federal buildings. However...

Let's Chat About The Additional Items Needed - The U.S. government of some form gave me a driver's license, a social security number, a birth certificate, a marriage license...and now I have to go get another form of identification to get on a plane, and one of the only additional items I need to show you to make that happen is a bill from my gas or electric company with my name on it. What the heck?!

The bill I get in my mailbox is what you need to see to prove who I am. But, I can still drive to those U.S. destinations without an issue. I don't get it.

Can we talk about what a "deadline" is? If anyone else operated the way that our government did with the "deadlines" for a REAL ID, they would be out of a job. Someone didn't do their research when this was put in place, and it is very obvious.
- The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 with the plan to enforce it in 2008. States weren't ready by then, and it was pushed a full 12 years to October 1st, 2020.
- October 1st, 2020 - Even with that additional 12 years, states weren't ready, and now our world was in the middle of a pandemic.
- Add in a few other deadlines due to the pandemic and we finally arrived at May 7th, 2025 - which became the official deadline. 20 years since the REAL ID Act was passed, the Department of Homeland Security is now ready to enforce. But are they, really?
- May 7th, 2025 - as this date started getting closer, people started freaking out because finally, our government was saying this was the real deadline. Close to 61% of people who had legal IDs were compliant by the deadline. The rest of us realized this was actually happening and that we should probably go get one. Due to the volume of people applying, it was taking some people over 100 days to get their REAL ID. Because of the high volume of applications, the public was told to wait to get a REAL ID if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

For Just $45 - If you don't have a REAL ID and want to fly, there is an option to pay a one-time fee of $45 instead through TSAConfirmID. No utility bill or additional documentation needed for this like you have to do for a REAL ID...which seems odd to me. You may not get through TSA, but you could just pay $45, bring your receipt, and get through. This new rule started on February 1st by TSA and your TSAConfirmID would be valid for 10 days.

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Timeline For Getting A REAL ID in Minnesota

2026 is the year of flying for me...which means, I have to finally get my REAL ID.

I am happy to report that the location I went to in Minnesota made the entire process very easy. (My photo shouldn't ever be shown to anyone...but I wasn't expecting glamour shots at the DMV)

Here's how to get a REAL ID and how long it will take:

Pre-apply for your REAL ID online. You can still go in to a Driver & Vehicle Services office and fill out paperwork in person. Applying online will save you some time, though. Just go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and or click here.
Bring The Required Documents - see a list of the required documents and some examples here.
Find An Office - you can see a list of all available locations here
Bring Money To Cover The Cost - a list of the applicable fees are here
When Your New REAL ID Will Arrive In The Mail - I applied for my REAL ID on February 9th, 2026. I received my new REAL ID within 7 business days, and one of those was a federal holiday. According to the website, if you pre-apply, it helps speed the process to possibly 7 to 10 business days.