​​​​Documents to Bring when Applying for a REAL ID​​​

• One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States.

• If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person's current name, a name change document must be submitted.
  
  

• One document proving social security number.

•  If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.
  
  

• Two different documents proving current residency in Minnesota. 

• Must have applicant’s name and current address in Minnesota. A PO Box can only be listed as your residence if you are a Safe at Home participant. Note: If you are under 18, one proof of residency document may be provided by a parent/guardian if it has the same address as the document you provide.  The parent must also be present in office to certify that they are your parent/guardian and that you live at the given address.​​

You must provide original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them. Laminated documents will not be accepted. Digital documents shown on your phone or other electronic device will also not be accepted.

A REAL ID required documents infographic is available here.​ The U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025.​​ D​PS-DVS is working to update REAL ID material to reflect this extension.​

A printable version of REAL ID identification requirements and accepted documentation list is available here: REAL ID Handout.​

Full list of Accepted Documentation 

Proof of identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States:

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport, passport booklet or passport card.
• Original or Certified copy of U.S or U.S Territory birth certificate that bears the raised or authorized seal of the issuing jurisdiction or a protective equivalent.
• Consular report of birth abroad, certification of report of birth, or certification of birth abroad (form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) issued by the United States Department of State.
• Valid, unexpired permanent resident card (Form I551) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice.
  
• Certificate of naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
• Certificate of citizenship (Form N-560 or Form N-561) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
• Unexpired employment authorization document (form I-766 or I-688B) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
• Valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired U.S. visa accompanied by a Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant’s most recent lawful admittance into the US. If the Form I-94 is endorsed “DS” then a Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-551​

Name Changes: If the name on the identity document above is not the same as the name you currently use, a name change document must be submitted.

• Certificate of marriage certified by the issuing government jurisdiction.​
  
• Certified court order that specifies the name change.
• Certified divorce decree or dissolution of marriage that specifies the name change.

Proof of social security number:

If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.  Laminated documents will not be accepted. 

• Social security card.
• Federal form W2.
• Federal form SSA-1099 or other federal form 1099 with social security number on the form.
• Computer-printed US employment pay stub with name, address and social security number.

If a foreign passport is used for evidence of identity or date of birth, additional documentation demonstrating non work authorized status may be needed to verify non-eligibility for a Social Security number.

Proof of current residency in Minnesota (two documents):

Must have applicant’s name as used at print and current address in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not suffice as proof of current residency in Minnesota.

• Valid, unexpired Minnesota driver's license or instruction permit. (Current address must be listed).
• Valid, unexpired  Minnesota ID card. (Current address must be listed).
• Home utility services bill issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• United States Financial information with account numbers redacted including (not issued more than 12 months before REAL ID application).
• Bank Account Statement
• Credit Card Statement
• Brokerage Account Statement
• Money Market Account Statement 
• Certified transcript from a Minnesota college or university, issued no more than 180 days before the application.
• Employment pay stub issued no more than 12 months before the application that lists the employer's name and address. 
• Unexpired Minnesota professional license containing current Minnesota residential address.
• Home utility services hook-up work order issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Certified transcript from a United States high school issued no more than 180 days before the application.
• Minnesota unemployment insurance benefit statement issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Statement from a housing with services building registered under chapter 144D, nursing home licensed under chapter 144A or a boarding care facility licensed under section 144.50 to 144.56 issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Current policy or card for health, automobile, homeowner's or renter's insurance.
• Federal or state income tax return for the most recent tax filing year.
• Minnesota property tax statement for the current or prior year or a proposed Minnesota property tax notice for the current year that shows the applicant's principal residential address both on the mailing portion and portion stating what the property is being taxed.
• Minnesota vehicle certificate of title issued.
• Filed property deed or title for current resident.
• Supplemental security income award statement issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Mortgage documents for the applicant's principal residence.
• Residential lease agreement for the applicant's principal residence issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Unexpired selective service card.
• Military orders that are still in effect at the time of application.
• Cellular phone bill issued no more than 12 months before the application.
• Valid license issued pursuant to the game and fish laws.

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