The documents Minnesota asks for when you explore for Real ID

Minnesota requires you to bring five categories of documents to the driver's license office when you explore for a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency, proof of lawful status, and your current driver's license or ID card. You do not need all of them at once — you need one document from each category. The state accepts many different documents in each category, so most people can find something they already have at home.

Real ID is a federal standard that makes your Minnesota driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs the same as a regular license renewal and takes about the same time to process. The main difference is what you bring to prove who you are.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document from each of five categories: identity, Social Security number, Minnesota residency, lawful status, and your current license or ID.
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and lawful status at the same time, so you may need fewer documents if you have one.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency — the document must show your name and current address.
  • You must bring originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.
  • If your name has changed since your current license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of identity documents Minnesota accepts

A passport or passport card is the easiest proof of identity because it also proves your lawful status at the same time. If you have one, bring the original. A U.S. passport is valid even if it has expired.

If you do not have a passport, Minnesota accepts a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born. The certificate must be an official copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a photocopy or a document you print from an online vital records website will not work. You can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born; most states mail them within one to two weeks.

Other identity documents that work include a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a military ID card, or a foreign passport. All must be originals.

Proof of Social Security number

A Social Security card is the most straightforward proof. Bring the original card. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your license appointment, though it may take several weeks.

If you do not have your card, Minnesota also accepts a W-2 form or other tax document that shows your full Social Security number, a 1099 form, a pay stub from your current or recent employer, or a Social Security benefit statement. These documents must show your name and full nine-digit Social Security number. A document that shows only the last four digits will not work.

Proof of Minnesota residency

Minnesota requires proof that you live in the state and that your address is current. The document must show your full name and your current street address — a P.O. box alone is not enough. The document must have been issued or received within the last 30 days.

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. You can also use a property tax statement, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or benefit statement (such as unemployment or Social Security). If you receive mail from a government agency at your Minnesota address, that counts too.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill or other documents still show an old address, ask your provider for a new statement or bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address. Some people bring a lease agreement (which shows the new address) plus a recent utility bill (which may show the old address) to bridge the gap.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement on its own. If you have one, you do not need a separate document for lawful status.

If you do not have a passport, you need a document that shows you are a U.S. citizen or have permission to live and work in the United States. A certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship all work. If you were born outside the United States, a consular report of birth abroad issued by the U.S. State Department is accepted.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have a work permit or visa, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), your I-94 arrival/departure record, your I-797 approval notice, or your visa. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

Your current driver's license or ID card

Bring the driver's license or ID card you currently hold, even if it is expired. If you have lost it, tell the staff when you arrive — you can still get a Real ID, but the process may take longer because the state will need to verify your identity more thoroughly.

If your name has changed since your current license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Gather one document from each of the five categories above and bring them all to your appointment. Bring originals or certified copies — the driver's license office will not accept photocopies or images on your phone. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

You will also need to fill out form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or ID Card) before or when you arrive. You can read it from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or ask for it at the office. Bring a pen so you can fill it out on site if you prefer.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you are nervous about remembering it, but do not bring a photo — the office will take one for you. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to your appointment so your photo matches how you look when you are behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. Minnesota requires originals or certified copies. A screenshot or photo of a document on your phone will not be accepted. If you have a digital copy, print it out and bring the paper version, or request an official certified copy from the issuing agency.

What if my birth certificate does not have a raised seal?

It will not work for Real ID. You need a certified copy with a raised or embossed seal issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. Online vital records databases and photocopies do not meet the requirement. Contact the vital records office in your birth state to order an official certified copy.

Do I need a new Social Security card if mine is old or worn?

No. As long as your Social Security card is readable and shows your full nine-digit number, it is acceptable. If it is too damaged to read, request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment.

What counts as proof of residency if I just moved to Minnesota?

A lease agreement or mortgage statement showing your new Minnesota address works even if it was signed recently. If you do not have either, bring a utility bill or bank statement in your name at your new address. If nothing shows your new address yet, bring your lease or mortgage plus a document showing your old address to explain the recent move.

Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A U.S. passport card counts as proof of both identity and lawful status, just like a full passport. It is smaller and easier to carry, and it works the same way for Real ID purposes.