Minnesota is so Backed Up They’re Asking People to Stop Applying for REAL IDs

Remember when REAL IDs were going to be required for us to fly starting in 2020? Well, that deadline got pushed back a bunch of times because of the pandemic. But now, as of May 7th, 2025, REAL IDs are officially required, and a bunch of people were not prepared.

Those 'bunch of people' are those who didn't get a REAL ID in advance (which was suggested many times by the state), and also those who work for Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services.

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Why is There a Delay in Getting a REAL ID in Minnesota

I think lots of people just kept putting off getting their REAL ID because it got pushed back so many times, and many people put it off. But now, it's getting some people in trouble, especially when it comes to travel plans.

Because so many people put it off, there was a massive influx of applications for REAL IDs. But the problem there is that only 24 people across the entire state of Minnesota work for Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services. Only 24 people to go through ALL of those applications, plus other work that they need to do!

And on top of all of that, two people need to review a first-time application for a REAL ID.

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Minnesota DVS Asks People to Stop Applying for REAL IDs

Long story short, things are super backed up right now. So much so that the Star Tribune is reporting that DVS is asking people to stop applying for their REAL ID "unless absolutely necessary".

And even if it is absolutely necessary to get your REAL ID, you'd better do it months in advance because right now it's taking about 3 months for people to get their REAL IDs back.

Can You Fly With a Paper Application for a REAL ID?

If you've applied for a REAL ID, haven't gotten it in the mail yet, but you're flying soon, does that temporary piece of paper work? Unfortunately, no, that isn't accepted at TSA.

However, what IS accepted is your standard driver's license plus a passport.

Is There a Delay in Renewing REAL IDs in Minnesota?

One piece of good news, though: If you just have to renew your REAL ID, that shouldn't be delayed at all. That's because you've already gone through the initial process, so they don't need two people to look at your application.