ABOVE: Provided by the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services. This photo is an example of a REAL ID, with a yellow star in the right-hand corner.

FAIRMONT – As the REAL ID implementation deadline is less than a month away, the local Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) is receiving heavy demand.

Starting May 7, a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, passport, resident card, or employment authorization document will be required to fly within America. A standard driver’s license alone will no longer cut it.

Martin County DVS Manager Patti Krumholz said currently, around every other person who comes into the DVS is doing so to apply for a REAL or Enhanced ID.

“Not everybody has to do this,” she said. “If you are never going to travel, you’re never going to get on an airplane or go to a federal building, you don’t have to do this. Your standard driver’s license is fine. If you’re going to get on an airplane, you need to either have the real ID or the enhanced.”

The standard REAL ID driver’s license will cost $46, while an enhanced ID costs an extra $15. This extra $15 includes an extra benefit.

“The enhanced is a border crossing license,” Krumholz said. “You can’t fly into Mexico or Canada [with just the ID], but you can walk in, go by boat or car.”

This also covers sea travel to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Though it goes into effect in about a month, Krumholz said those looking to travel should submit applications as soon as possible.

“It’s getting busier,” she said. “I’m sure right to the deadline it will be. Don’t put it off, because you won’t have it by then if you are going to fly. They’re taking at least four to six weeks right now.”

Along with the fee, there are four things needed to apply for a REAL ID. One is a document proving identity, date of birth and legal U.S. presence. This includes a certified birth certificate, passport, permanent residence card, or certificate of citizenship.

Of these items, Krumholz said there have been instances of confusion with birth certificates.

“They get a birth certificate from the hospital,” she said. “That’s not accepted. That’s just a momento. It’s something for your baby book. It has to be a certified birth certificate from the state of Minnesota or the county.”

Applicants must also know their social security number. The actual card is not needed, just the number.

Finally, two documents are needed proving current Minnesota residency. These include a current driver’s license, income tax returns, a utility bill, or a credit card statement. Bills and statements must be no more than 12 months old. For an enhanced ID, they must be from the last 90 days.

All documents must be original. Photocopies, laminated, scanned, faxed, or digital documents will not be accepted. Krumholz said name changes can also be a hangup. If the name on any of the submitted documents differs from your current name, all name changes from birth to the present must be presented with proof attached for each.

“People just think, ‘Well, that was 20 years ago. I don’t need to bring that in,'” she said. “Yes, you do, because your name did change. We’re going from what your name was at birth and what your name is now, and anything in between.”

Acceptable documents for proof include marriage certificate, adoption or divorce decree, or court-ordered name change documents.

The Martin County DVS is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those looking to pre-apply and pre-verify their documents can do so by visiting drive.mn.gov and uploading said documents. After online verification, the original documents can be brought to the DVS to complete the process.

For more information, visit https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/license-and-id/dl-and-id-card-information/real-id-dl-and-id-card.