REAL ID deadline is close; here's how St. Louis County services can help

By Dana Kazel

After several years of postponements, the federal REAL ID requirement will go into effect May 7, 2025. This means any Minnesotan planning to fly on a domestic flight or enter a federal building will need a Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card, Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card, or some other federally approved form of identification such as a passport, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation.

For anyone still needing a REAL ID, St. Louis County staff are able to assist in several ways.

The Auditor's Service Center at the Miller Hill Mall is able to process applications for Minnesota REAL ID driver's licenses and identification cards, and Minnesota Enhanced driver's licenses and identification cards. Staff offered these tips to ensure the application process goes smoothly:

. Plan ahead. It currently takes about six weeks to receive a REAL ID-compliant card.

. Pre-apply online through the state's Department of Vehicle Services website at: https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/

. Bring necessary documents to the Auditor's Service Center. Information on what to bring can be found at drive.mn.gov.

. Know your Social Security Number (SSN).

. Bring cash, check or credit card for payment

. Arrive early enough to allow sufficient time to file application.

The Auditor's Service Center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People also can apply for passports at this location. More information can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/auditor.

Meanwhile, for people needing a birth certificate or marriage license as documentation to apply for REAL ID, the St. Louis County Recorder's Office can provide some help. The Recorder's Office can provide birth certificates for anyone born in any county in Minnesota. For marriage record requests, the marriage license must have been applied for in St. Louis County. 

Recorder's Office services are available Monday-Friday at the St. Louis County Courthouses in Duluth and Hibbing, the Government Services Center in Virginia; St. Louis County Service Center in Ely; and the St. Louis County Service Center in Cook. Birth certificates and marriage licenses also can be ordered by email or mail.

More information about the Recorder's Office and its services, including costs for certified copies and payment options, can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/recorder.