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Tim Nelson
St. Paul

Real ID expected to roll out next month

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The state of Minnesota says there will be no extra charge for the new Real ID drivers licenses when they roll out starting next month.

The Department of Public Safety said Wednesday that it is on track to provide the new licenses starting Oct. 1.

The state's current licenses do not meet federal ID standards for commercial air travel and some other functions, although the federal government has grandfathered in Minnesota drivers.

"You can use your standard license and ID cards for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until Oct. 1, 2020," said department spokesperson Bruce Gordon.

Gordon said drivers can wait for their normal license renewal cycle without cost, or pay a small fee for an early renewal to get the new license sooner.

"It would cost you an extra $6 at the maximum, plus your renewal fee, and then your driver's license would be extended for a longer period of time," he said.

The new licenses may entail some extra expense, nonetheless: they require additional documentation, including proof of identity, date of birth and legal presence in the U.S., as well as a valid Social Security number.

Proof of residence will also be required, and the state has a strict list of what will be accepted. Applicants will have to collect and present the documentation to get a Real ID.

The new license is not mandatory. But the current version won't be accepted in some places after Oct. 1, 2020. The state will continue to offer the non-compliant license for those who choose not to carry federally approved identification. The state will also continue to offer the Enhanced Drivers License, which can also serve as a border crossing document.