Real ID finally lands in Minnesota. What you need to know before your next flight.
Starting Wednesday, Minnesotans will need a Real ID in order to fly.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has extra TSA staff on hand Wednesday to help in the transition.
State officials say only 42% of Minnesotans have updated their driver's licenses. If you're of the nearly 60% who haven't and you're hopping a flight soon, you can still bring a passport or other forms of ID, but be prepared for extra screening.
Frequent fliers WCCO spoke with on Wednesday morning say they've had plenty of reminders.
"In New Jersey, there's backup to get appointments to get a Real ID, so it wasn't very easy," said a traveler named Joe, from Newark, New Jersey.
"I kinda got busy with work and all that," said a traveler named Abdi.
There is a Real ID office at the airport in Terminal 1, on the mezzanine of the Green Parking Ramp, but you'll need an appointment. And unfortunately, even if you come to the airport office, you won't get the ID right away. It's just another option to try if your DMV is experiencing long lines like what we've seen and reported on these last few weeks.
"It was kind of panicked, but I just wanted to make sure that I did my due diligence as soon as I found out to get in here and get my ID so that I can make my flight," said DMV customer Holly Wurth.
On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Human Services Sec. Kristi Noem and local TSA reps assured fliers without Real ID that they won't be turned away — but their experience will take longer.
"Definitely our goal is not to create panic or to make people, you know, feel like they have to cancel flights or anything like that. But really we want people to know that those passengers could be directed to another line, they could subjected to extra screening," said Regional TSA Spokesperson Jessica Mayle. "Eventually it will be where you cannot get through, and I would not want to be at the checkpoint when that happens."
Beware of Real ID scams
If you still need to get one before you take off for your summer vacation, the Better Business Bureau says watch out for phony websites offering Real IDs, especially those sliding into your DMs or inbox.
"They want to catch us during our most vulnerable times, and they want two things. Ultimately, number one is to steal your hard-earned money, or steal your Identity," said Bao Vang, with the Better Business Bureau.
The DMV will never reach out by text, social media, email or phone asking for personal information. Experts say if you experience any of these, it's likely a scam.
