St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesotans can now utilize online tools to help with pre-verification to get their REAL IDs faster.

According to a press release from The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division, Minnesota will have until May 3, 2023, to be REAL ID ready, but many will decide whether to apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license or ID (EDL/EID) when they renew their driver’s license or ID card in the coming months. DPS-DVS encourages Minnesotans to take advantage of online tools to help with the decision-making and application process.

  • Use the online Help Me Choose tool to select the best license or ID type for their needs.
  • Pre-apply online to save time during the office visit.
  • Those who choose to apply for a REAL ID or EDL/EID now have the option to submit their required documents online for pre-verification before they visit an office.

Pre-verification saves trips to a DL office. DPS-DVS launched the online pre-verification tool March 29, to help reduce repeat office visits and reduce processing times for REAL ID and EDL/EID card applications.

As of April 28, 7,136 Minnesotans have applied for document pre-verification. On average, Minnesotans who successfully pre-verify documents receive their driver’s license or ID card in seven to ten business days.

“We want Minnesotans to successfully apply for a REAL ID during their first office visit and not have to make repeat trips,” Driver and Vehicle Services Director Emma Corrie said. “Applying for a REAL ID requires additional documentation, and the process has often led to customers needing to go home, get additional documents and return for a second visit. Pre-applying and pre-verifying documents can prevent this from happening.”

Pre-Verification Process

Eligible Minnesotan may pre-verify their documents while pre-applying online at drive.mn.gov. Participation is optional. Those who choose to participate will upload clear, high-quality images of the documents they select during their pre-application.
DPS-DVS will review the uploaded documents within three business days and send an email confirming the documents are pre-verified. DPS-DVS will send an email with details and next steps if there are issues with any of the uploaded documents.

The eligible Minnesotan will receive the pre-verification notification, and then bring the original documents to their local office to complete their REAL ID or EDL/EID application.

To participate, Minnesotans:

  • Must be 18 or older.
  • Must have a Minnesota driver’s license or number.
  • Must provide their Social Security number during the pre-application.
  • Must have a verified address on record with DPS-DVS or select to do an address change and provide a new address.
Get our free mobile app

Minnesotans who are renewing an EDL/EID or REAL ID are not eligible for pre-verification and are only required to bring documents when renewing if they are changing their name or address.

Federal and Minnesota laws require a person to submit their original required documents, pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken to complete their application at a DVS exam station or driver’s license office.

Minnesotans can still use the pre-application feature if they choose not to use the pre-verification tool. DPS-DVS strongly encourages anyone who is renewing or applying for a driver’s license or ID card to pre-apply online at drive.mn.gov.

This feature allows Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their application online, reducing the time they spend in the office. It also lists the required documents for each license type so applicants can have all necessary documents ready when they visit their local office.

 

JUST LISTED: HGTV stars of 'Stay or Sell' are Selling Their Million-Dollar Minnesota Home

 

More From Fun 104