Posted in Partner Content December 22, 2016 by

If You Live In Minnesota, You’ll Soon Need More Than A Driver’s License To Travel

Every now and then when we like to remind ourselves of exactly why it is we love to call Minnesota home, we take an out-of-state trip to see if the grass is any greener on the other side. If you’re planning on stepping outside of this beautiful state next year and have already made plans to travel, then you’ll want to know about the upcoming changes in TSA requirements.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
As of January 22, 2018, Minnesota will be just one of nine states where residents will no longer be able to use their driver's licenses as proper forms of identification while traveling.
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Not only Minnesota but also Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington IDs will all fail to meet the TSA requirements to pass through their security checkpoints.
To pass through a TSA Security Checkpoint after this date, Minnesota residents will require a form of ID such as a passport, Military ID or permanent resident card - even for domestic travel.
m01229/Flickr
Minnesota residents may have already begun to see signage that TSA has started placing around airport security this week.
According to the federal government, a Minnesota ID fails to meet the minimum security standards that have been set in place.
MSP International Airport/Facebook
In order to meet the current security standards, Minnesota and other states must verify every ID applicant's identity, perform a background check and also put anti-counterfeit technology into the production of their ID cards. If Minnesota or any of the nine states change their security practices to comply with these standards, the government may provide them with an extension.
While there are currently only 24 states that comply with these specific rules, by 2020 all travelers will be required to have an ID that is in compliance with these security standards.
David Rutledge/Flickr
That's right! Even if you aren't living in one of these nine states, by the year 2020 everyone will have to comply to these security standards.

How do you feel about this upcoming change in requirements? Tell us in the comments if you plan on getting a passport so you’ll be able to travel next year!