ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) – So far, just under 11-percent of Minnesota driver’s license and identification cardholders have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.

That means there are still about 3.7 million Minnesota license holders who will need to decide if they need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification this year.

“It could certainly be a challenge to process all of the applications that will come in, and that’s why we’re suggesting people apply sooner rather than later,” said Department of Public Safety’s Bruce Gordon.

Starting October 1st, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.

“Understand that October 1st is a federal deadline for travelers to have the correct identification when they reach the TSA checkpoint,” said Gordon.

He recommends starting the pre-application process now rather than later, to avoid any backups.

For more information, you can visit realid.dps.gov.