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The full MN Primary and Secondary Identifying Document options are explained and listed below but please note the most commonly used Primary Document is either a Birth Certificate or Unexpired Passport. The most commonly used Secondary Document is either another Primary Document, a current High School Picture ID, or Social Security Card.
**Make sure your name reads identically on both documents and also matches your blue card**
Standard DL/ID Identification Requirements
Minnesota Rules Parts 7410.0100 to 7410.0600
To apply for a Minnesota driver’s license, identification card, or permit, you may present either: A Minnesota driver’s license, identification card, or permit that is current or expired for five years or less if it has a photo or one year or less if it does not have a photo.
If you do not have one of the items listed above, you must present one primary and one secondary document. The primary document must contain your full name and the month, day and year of your birth. Any document not in English must be accompanied by a qualified English translation.
If the name on your Minnesota driver’s license, identification card or permit has changed or the names on your primary and secondary documents do not match, you must also present proof of your legal name change(s). If you have previously had a Minnesota driver’s license, identification card, or permit in a name that is different from your current name, then you must present proof of legal name change. Acceptable proof consists of certified marriage certificates, certified divorce decrees or other certified court orders. Divorce decrees or other court orders must specify the name change. Your name change documents need to show a clear link between your primary and secondary documents.
The name on the Minnesota driver’s license, identification card or permit that is issued to you will be the name on the primary document or legal name change document.
If you are a temporary United States resident, you may need to show additional proof of your lawful admission period, such as form I-20, DS-2019, I-797 or other official immigration document or receipt.
Documents are subject to verification and may not be accepted if laminated or otherwise altered.
Primary Documents
Certified birth record issued by a government bureau of vital statistics or board of health in the United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or the United States Virgin Islands
Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545 or DS-1350) issued by the U.S. Department of State
Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen (FS-240) issued by a U.S. embassy
Certified adoption certificate from a U.S. court
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or card
Secure unexpired Minnesota tribal identification card. • Unexpired active duty, reserve or retired U.S. military identification card (DD-2 or Geneva Conventions Common Access Card) • Valid, unexpired passport from a country other than the U.S. with an unexpired I-94 form or with an unexpired I-551 stamp • Canadian birth or naturalization certificate with an unexpired I-94 form attached (Must be presented with a photo Secondary Document issued by a Canadian government agency)
One of the following valid, unexpired documents issued by the U.S. Department of Justice or U.S. Department of Homeland Security ▪ Employment Authorization card with photo (I-688 or I-766 series)
Permanent Resident or Resident Alien card (I-551 or I-151) ▪ Re-entry Permit/Refuge Travel Document (I-327, I-571) ▪ Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, or N-578) ▪ Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, or N-645)
United States Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197) ▪ Northern Mariana Card (I-873)
American Indian Card (I-872)
Secondary Documents
Another primary document
Photo driver’s license, state identification card or permit, issued by a U.S. state other than Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or a Canadian province or territory, that is current or expired for five years or less
U.S. social security card (nonmetal) or Canadian social insurance card - If you have had a name change but have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for any driver's license or identification card type.
Certified birth certificate from a government jurisdiction other than the U.S., the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
Certified government-issued marriage certificate
Certified U.S. or Canadian court order with full name and date of birth
Certified secondary or post-secondary school transcript containing legal full name and date of birth
Current secondary school (grades 7-12) student identification card with student’s name, photograph and date of birth or unique identification number (identification card must have the academic/school year or issue date printed on the card)
Government employee photo identification card from a jurisdiction in the U.S. or Canada
Current identification card (DD-1173 or DD-214) issued by the U.S. Department of Defense
Unexpired color-photo permit to carry a firearm or concealed weapon, issued by a U.S. police department or sheriff • Current pilot’s license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration
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