What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID in Minnesota

The Documents Minnesota Requires for Real ID

To get a Real ID in Minnesota, you need to bring four categories of documents to your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof that your name is what you say it is (if it has changed). You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must appear in person with originals or certified copies. The state does not accept photocopies or digital images.

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, but the document requirements are stricter. If you already have a Real ID, you do not need to bring these documents again unless you renew your license or change your address.

Key Takeaways

You must bring originals or certified copies of four document types to a DVS office in person; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
Proof of identity can be a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID — not a Social Security card or birth certificate alone.
For proof of residency, Minnesota accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or property tax statements dated within the last 30 days.
If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The Real ID itself costs the same as a standard license, but you pay a small fee if you need certified copies of documents from other states.

Proof of Identity: What the DVS Will Accept

Your proof of identity must be a government-issued photo ID or a document that establishes who you are beyond doubt. Minnesota DVS accepts a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you have a passport, bring it — it serves as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship, which speeds up the process.

A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity, and neither does a birth certificate. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you will need to bring a tribal ID or explore for a passport before you go to DVS. Some people bring multiple documents to be safe — for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card — but DVS will only look at the one that meets the identity requirement.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring an original Social Security card or a document issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your number. The card itself is the simplest option. If you have lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DVS appointment, or you can bring a Social Security Administration letter that displays your number.

A tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your Social Security number is not accepted by itself — DVS requires a document from the Social Security Administration or the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you can get a Real ID.

Proof of Minnesota Residency

You need one document that shows you live in Minnesota and is dated within the last 30 days. DVS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, or a homeowner's insurance bill. The document must show your name and your current Minnesota address.

A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or bank statement does not count. If you have just moved and your utility bill is not yet in your name, bring a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on letterhead that includes your name, the address, and the move-in date. If you live with family and are not on the utility bill, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating that you live there may work, but call your local DVS office first to confirm — policies can vary slightly between locations.

Proof of Name Change (If Applicable)

If your name has changed since you were born, bring the document that shows the change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced and changed your name back, bring the divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order for any other reason, bring that order. DVS will compare the name on this document to the name on your proof of identity to make sure they match or show a clear chain of changes.

What to Bring to Your DVS Appointment

Gather all four document categories before you go to DVS. Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies. If a document is from another state (for example, a birth certificate from Iowa or a passport issued in California), it is still valid, but you may be charged a small fee to have DVS verify it with that state's records.

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card if you have one. If you are renewing, bring your old license. If you are explore for the first time, bring nothing else — just the four document categories listed above. Do not bring documents you think might help; DVS staff will tell you if they need anything else.

Certified Copies and Out-of-State Documents

A certified copy is an official copy stamped and signed by the agency that issued the original. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where the event happened. Getting a certified copy usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $25.

If your birth certificate or other vital record is from another state, Minnesota DVS will accept it. However, DVS may need to verify it with that state's vital records office, which can add a few days to your processing time. Some states charge a verification fee, which DVS will pass on to you — usually $5 to $15. Ask the DVS staff at your appointment whether a fee applies to your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Minnesota DVS requires originals or certified copies. You cannot use a photo, PDF, or digital image. If you have lost a document, contact the agency that issued it and request a certified copy before your appointment.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can still get a Real ID if you have a passport or military ID for proof of identity. If you do not have either, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?

Yes. A passport proves your identity and citizenship, but it does not prove your Social Security number. You must bring both documents — or a passport plus a Social Security Administration letter showing your number.

What if my name on my lease doesn't match my ID?

Bring both documents and explain the situation to DVS staff. If you recently married or divorced, bring the marriage certificate or divorce decree. If the name mismatch is recent, DVS may ask for additional documentation to confirm the change is legitimate.

Can I get a Real ID without proof of residency if I just moved?

You need a residency document dated within the last 30 days. If you just moved and your utility bill is not yet in your name, bring a signed lease, a mortgage statement, or a notarized letter from your landlord or homeowner. Call your local DVS office to confirm what they will accept before you go.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.