A Message from the Wright County License Center.

There has been plenty of confusion related to the fast-approaching federal law that requires a federally compliant form of identification for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities or military bases. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions the team at the Wright County Government Center has been fielding: 

Do I have to get a REAL ID by May 7, 2025?

This is the date the federal law is being enforced, not a deadline that you need to make an application for a REAL ID/Enhanced license or passport. For those who have no intention of air travel until well after the May 7 implementation date, there is no rush to get REAL ID – many license centers are already experiencing a backlog of customers looking to get their licenses upgraded before May 7.

What if I have a passport, do I need a REAL ID?

A passport is the top travel document and choosing to get more than one federally compliant form of identification, such as a REAL ID, is optional but not required. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your passport or REAL ID would be acceptable. If you are traveling internationally, you will always need your passport book. If you have an unexpired passport or another federally accepted form of identification, you do not need to apply for a REAL ID. 

What do I need to get a REAL ID or Enhanced license?

If you decide that you want to apply for a REAL or Enhanced card, you must bring specific documentation.