How do I know which type of license I will need?

Minnesota has a few identification options for residents to choose from. 

  •  Standard driver's license or ID card.
  • Enhanced driver's license or ID card (EDL/EID).
  • REAL ID - compliant driver's license or ID card.

Determining which type of license or ID card works best depends on what a person needs to use the card for.

Standard Driver's License or ID Card

  • A standard license or ID card can be used for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until Oct. 1, 2020.
  • After October 2020, these won't be acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel or federal use.
  • Valid for identification purposes.
  • Valid for lawful driving privileges.

Enhanced Driver's License or ID Card

  •  Can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities now and will continue to be acceptable forms of identification for federal purposes even after October 2020.
  • Can be used as U.S. border crossing documents.
  • Only issued to U.S. citizens.
  • Valid for identification purposes.
  • Valid for lawful driving privileges.

REAL ID Compliant Driver's Licenses or ID Card

  • REAL ID driver's licenses or ID cards can be used for domestic air travel and to access federal facilities such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
  • Issued to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
  • Cannot be used as boarder crossing documents.
  • Valid for identification purposes.
  • Valid for lawful driving privileges.

Find out which license or ID card best fits your needs by reviewing a full comparison chart.

Additional Information for EDL/REAL ID applications

  • You must provide original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them.  Digital documents shown on your phone or other electronic device will not be accepted.
  • If your name has changed, you must submit proof of each name change.  Acceptable proof includes a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree or dissolution or marriage, or a court-ordered name change.
  • Two different document types must be submitted for PROOF OF MINNESOTA RESIDENCY.  A P.O. Box will not be accepted as an address for proof of Minnesota Residency.
  • 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 or documents with any alterations of erasures will not be accepted.

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1. How much will it cost to transfer a vehicle?
2. I don't have my prebill. Can I still come in to buy my tabs?
3. I have lost my MInnesota title. How do I get another one?
4. I just moved here from out of state. What do I need to do to register my vehicle?
5. How does the "Grace Period" work?
6. What will you accept for insurance?
7. What do I need to bring with me to get a hunting or fishing license?
8. I need registration and tabs for my boat, snowmobile or ATV. I don't have a renewal notice. How can I renew?
9. What is REAL ID?
10. Can i apply for an Enhanced Driver's License/identifiation Card or REAL ID at the Wright County License Bureau?
11. What do I need to bring with me to apply to get a REAL ID/DL?
12. How do I know which type of license I will need?
13. How early can I renew my driver's license?
14. Can I get a permit at this location?
15. What should I bring with me for my first time application?
16. What do I need to bring in order to renew my Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?
17. I have an out of state Driver's License, can I transfer it to Minnesota at your location?
18. Can I pay a Minnesota or Out of State fine at your office?
19. What do I need to bring with me to apply for an Enhanced Driver's License?