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Hennepin County, Minnesota

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Save time - pre-apply online for driver's licenses and IDs

Use the online pre-application to enter a significant portion of your driver's license, ID or REAL ID information before coming to the driver's license office. You'll save time and learn what required documents to bring with you. Pre-apply for your license or ID card now!

A standard driver’s license or ID is acceptable for domestic air travel until October 2020.

Please expect longer wait times due to new driver’s license and identification card system and requirements.

State IDs

Sometimes non-drivers are asked to show identification. A state ID card fulfills that need and can be issued to a person of any age. 

Changes coming in 2020 to ID cards and driver's licenses

Starting October 2020 standard driver’s licenses and state IDs will no longer be valid for domestic air travel. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to have one of the following:

  • Real ID compliant driver’s license
  • Enhanced driver’s license
  • Real ID compliant state ID
  • Enhanced state ID

Before traveling, always check with your destination for ID requirements. For those traveling now see MN driver’s license and ID options.

See the ID options section for more details or visit MN Driver and Vehicle Services.

Save time: Pre-apply for your license

You still need to visit an office to complete the request to get your new Minnesota license.

  • Use the online pre-application to decrease the time you spend at the counter when getting your state ID
  • Bring the confirmation page you receive at the end of your request and any documents listed in the confirmation
  • Pre-apply for your license now
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ID options

Standard state ID

Valid for:

  • Domestic air travel – through October 1, 2020
  • Identification and lawful driving privileges 

Real ID compliant state ID

Not required until 2020. Valid for:

Enhanced state ID

Can be issue only to U.S. citizens. Not required until 2020.

Valid for:

  • Domestic air travel
  • Re-entry into the U.S. via land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean
  • Access to federal and military facilities
  • Identification and lawful driving privileges

Note: We stop taking applications for enhanced licenses one (1) hour prior to closing.

Traveling now? See MN driver’s license and ID options.

Duplicate, change, or replacement

Apply for a duplicate state ID within 30 days of a name or address change, or if you have lost your ID.

Your name must already be updated in the social security system for us to accept application for a state ID name change. Learn more about how to change your name on your social security card at Social Security Administration or Social Security Card FAQs.

How to apply

Apply in person at any Hennepin County Service Center. For a shorter wait time, make an appointment.

Bring the following:

  • One primary and one secondary document from the identification list (PDF)
  • Your Social Security number, if you don't have one

Cost

Additional information

  • Your new state ID will be mailed to you in four to six weeks after submitting an application.
  • Carry your current identification and the stamped yellow receipt you receive when you apply until the new ID arrives.
  • If you are under 21 years old, your card will be marked “Under -21” and is valid until your 21st birthday.
  • If you are between 21 and 65 years old, your ID expires on your birthday four years after you receive it.
  • Cards issued to anyone age 65 or over are valid for life.
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