Expect Delays At MSP Wednesday As Real ID Deadline Hits

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Starting Wednesday, passengers traveling through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport without a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification could face delays, additional screening, or even be barred from entering the security checkpoint.

The Transportation Security Administration’s REAL ID enforcement begins May 7, marking a major shift in airport security protocol across the United States.

MSP officials warned travelers Monday that failing to bring the proper ID could result in:

• Longer wait times
• Extra screening procedures
• Potential denial of access to flights

REAL ID-compliant identification is marked with a star at the top of the card. Minnesota residents can also use a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or other federally accepted documents to pass through airport security.

TSA officials recommend arriving early and double-checking your ID before heading to the airport.

How To Get A REAL ID In Minnesota

To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in Minnesota, you must visit a Department of Vehicle Services office in person and bring the following:

• One document proving your full legal name, date of birth, and legal presence in the U.S.
  • If your name has ever changed, you must show documentation of each change.
• Two different documents showing your current Minnesota residential address (no P.O. boxes).
• Your Social Security number.
  • If you don’t have one, you must show proof that you are not required to have one, such as federal immigration documents.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, additional federal immigration documentation will be required.

All documents must be originals or certified copies and must match the TSA’s list of acceptable documents. A full list is available at tsa.gov/real-id.

REAL ID applications must be completed in person, they cannot be submitted by mail.