Mn Enhanced Drivers License Requirements

The bad news: You need to visit a DMV office to do it and you may need to plan ahead. Getting a REAL ID or EDL requires additional paperwork, which you can find on your state's DMV website. For example, here's what the New York DMV website says is required for a REAL ID:

“You MUST bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility.  If you have a valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original social security card or W-2 with full SSN.  If you do not have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number.  If you lost your Social Security Card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV. The Social Security Administration website has more information on obtaining a duplicate card.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court- or government-issued proof(s) documenting the event(s) causing your name change(s) such as a marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document(s).”

Oh, and comb your hair; the REAL ID application process also requires the DMV to take a new photo.

In the beloved Dr. Seuss story, “Those stars weren't so big. They were really so small. You might think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.” But for travelers, those small stars are about to matter an awful lot. 

Very soon, we'll start seeing new signs at airports nationwide to remind us that REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020. 

Take the hint and don't leave getting yours until the last minute.

 

Beginning in October 2020, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will get past the TSA checkpoint. Photographer: Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg

Take a quick look at your driver's license. Does it have a star in the upper right corner? The TSA is preparing to take a page out of Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches and allow only those with starred licenses to fly within the United States.

Newfangled driver's licenses with stars are REAL ID compliant, meaning that they are more secure than what were previously issued. The new rules were announced back in 2005, when Congress passed the REAL ID Act on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The law is intended to create a national standard and make sure every state has a more secure driver's license.

“TSA is doing everything we can to prepare our partners and the traveling public for the REAL ID deadline next year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement. “The security requirements of the REAL ID Act will dramatically enhance and improve commercial aviation security.”

What does this mean for travelers? Beginning October 1, 2020, travelers who present a driver's license that is not REAL ID compliant will not be permitted to fly. They'll have to bring another form of acceptable ID to the airport instead or be turned away. The list of acceptable IDs includes a passport; a military ID; a border ID card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry; a permanent resident card; and other documents.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star in the upper right corner.

Note that five states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington) also issue an enhanced driver's license (EDL) as a proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. It serves not only as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel but it also allows re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders when coming from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Instead of a star in the upper right corner, EDLs have an American flag in the lower right corner.

The good news: If your license is not REAL ID compliant, you've got about 18 months to get an updated license.

The bad news: You need to visit a DMV office to do it and you may need to plan ahead. Getting a REAL ID or EDL requires additional paperwork, which you can find on your state's DMV website. For example, here's what the New York DMV website says is required for a REAL ID:

“You MUST bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you havea valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original social security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you do not have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number. If you lost your Social Security Card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV. The Social Security Administration website has more information on obtaining a duplicate card.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court- or government-issued proof(s) documenting the event(s) causing your name change(s) such as a marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document(s).”

Oh, and comb your hair; the REAL ID application process also requires the DMV to take a new photo.

In the beloved Dr. Seuss story, “Those stars weren't so big. They were really so small. You might think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.” But for travelers, those small stars are about to matter an awful lot.

Very soon, we'll start seeing new signs at airports nationwide to remind us that REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020.

Take the hint and don't leave getting yours until the last minute.

An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) in Minnesota is a credential that motorists can apply for in order to get additional benefits that a regular driver’s license does not offer. Minnesota residents may obtain either an enhanced license or an enhanced ID (EID) card through the Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MN DPS).

An enhanced credential is a legal document that enables motorists to legally drive while also extending benefits like the ability to cross a U.S. border by land or sea from certain countries without the need of holding a U.S. passport. To discover more information about how to get an enhanced license in Minnesota and about the benefits and privileges that come with it, review the sections below.

What is an enhanced driver’s license in Minnesota?

A Minnesota enhanced driver’s license is a type of credential that motorists may obtain in order to operate their motor vehicles and to get additional benefits and privileges. Applicants for an EDL license will have access to the following benefits:

• Re-enter the U.S. border by land and sea from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries
• Access federal facilities
• Travel on domestic flights

Note that an EDL or an EID document cannot be used for international air travel. Therefore, motorists will have to apply for U.S. passports in such cases. Furthermore, both the EDL and the EID credential have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip inserted in the card. This chip contains a unique number for each enhanced document and does not hold biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, etc.

What is an enhanced ID in Minnesota?

The Minnesota enhanced ID card (EID) is another type of enhanced credential that can serve motorists for dual purposes. This credential does not only serve as proof of identity, but it can also be used for re-entering the U.S. border by land or sea from Canada, Mexico or some of the Caribbean countries. The similarity between the EDL and the EID is that both credentials may be used instead of passports when entering from the above-mentioned countries into the U.S.

Moreover, both the EDL and the EID credentials are federally approved border-crossing documents approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). However, the basic difference between these two enhanced documents is that apart from the travelling benefits, the driver’s license is also used for operating motor vehicles, while the ID card is only utilized for identification purposes.

Minnesota Enhanced License Eligibility Requirements

Residents may apply for a Minnesota enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or an enhanced ID (EID) card only after they satisfy certain eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria for getting an EDL or and EID credential include the following:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be an Minnesota resident
• Be at least 16 years of age

Motorists who do not satisfy these DMV enhanced license requirements cannot apply for either of the two documents. Therefore, prior to beginning the application, drivers must ensure that they satisfy the above-listed criteria in order to be eligible for an enhanced credential.

Documents Needed for an Enhanced Driver’s License in Minnesota

The most important part of the Minnesota enhanced license application is to present a set of mandatory documents to the MN DVS. Motorists who are wondering, “What do you need to get an enhanced driver’s license?” need to know that the DVS has a list of required documents that must be submitted at a local MN DVS branch. To complete the application procedure for both an EDL or EID credential, applicants need to provide the following:

• Proof of date of birth
• Proof of full legal name
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photographic proof of identity
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Two proofs of Minnesota residency

How to Get an Enhanced License in Minnesota

Motorists may apply for an MN enhanced driver’s license or ID card through the MN DVS at any time. For instance, drivers may get an enhanced credential when their current license or standard ID card approaches its expiration date. They can also get one when they are applying for a driver’s license, permit or ID card for the first time. Finally, they can request one when replacing their current credentials long before the date of expiry.

Minnesota Real Id Driver License

To begin the EDL or EID application procedure, motorists must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Prepare the mandatory documentation.
• Visit a local MN DVS branch in person.
• Submit all required documentation.
• Complete an interview questionnaire.
• Pay the applicable fees.

How long does it take to get an enhanced license in Minnesota?

After drivers complete the required steps for getting a Minnesota enhanced license or ID card, the MN DVS has to process the application and issue the credential. Motorists will receive the new document after three to four weeks at their MN residential addresses.

Mn Dmv Enhanced Driver's License Requirements

Enhanced Driver’s License Cost in Minnesota

The final step of the application procedure for a Minnesota enhanced driver’s license or ID card is to pay the applicable fees. The enhanced driver’s license cost is $15 in addition to the basic price for a regular driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card.

Enhanced Driver's License Ca

Enhanced Licenses vs. Passports in Minnesota

The main difference between an MN enhanced license and a U.S. passport is in the purposes why either credential may be used. While a U.S. passport is used primarily for international flights, the enhanced driver’s license and ID card have dual purposes.

Mn Enhanced Driver's License Requirements Ents For Travel

The EDL, on the one hand, is used not only for operating motor vehicles, but also for re-entering the U.S. border by land or sea from a select number of countries. The EID, on the other hand, does not have only a purpose to serve as proof of identity, but it may also be used for re-entering the U.S. border and for accessing federal facilities.

Mn Enhanced Driver's License Documents