The U.S. government is finally enforcing the REAL ID Act of 2005. This law mandates federal agencies require people to have a REAL ID. This new version of identification will replace the current Standard many residents might currently have.

If you have a Standard ID you’ll need to make some changes if you want to retain your current privileges. Whether you fly domestically, need access to military bases, or enter federal buildings, you’ll need a REAL ID by May or a Passport, which is REAL ID Compliant.

Amanda Miller is the Regional Supervisor with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. She says there’s been some confusion as to the three different types of identification. Currently there are Standard, Real and Enhanced.

“The REAL ID is going into effect as of May 7th. You want to make sure that if you are going to be traveling domestically.” Miller said. “A REAL ID is always a good thing to have. It is not a requirement to have that if you already have say an Enhanced Driver’s License. That actually would cover your basis for a REAL ID. The Enhanced allows you to Border cross so you can border cross either via land or by body of water.”

For anyone who plans on flying out of Duluth to another state, a Standard I.D. won’t be accepted for air travel. Carol Kurki, a resident in Duluth, was had trouble flying out of DLH, because she hasn’t received her REAL ID yet.

“The reason I’m worried today is because I need to take a flight from Duluth to Chicago. I’m a little nervous that it won’t be enough information to make that flight,” Kurki said. “I don’t have a passport, I’m not a traveler, and, you know, come May, you won’t be able to fly to Chicago, if you don’t have a REAL ID.”

The current estimated processing time to receive the REAL ID in the mail from the DMV on Grand Ave. is estimated to be 45 days.

“I went to the DMV and they looked me up and said ‘I haven’t even been processed yet,’ So who knows when I’m gonna get it? So I encourage everybody to be a little patient,” Kurki said.

For more information on the different types of current IDs, you can read more here.