I am proud of the neutral REAL ID bill the legislature passed last session that did not contain any harmful anti-immigrant language and would allow Minnesotans to board domestic flights without needing additional documents like a passport. Yesterday, the US Department of Homeland Security notified Minnesota that we were awarded an extension to allow more time for the Department of Vehicle Services and our citizens to become compliant with the new driver’s licenses. Today, all Minnesotans can be assured they can continue to board commercial airplanes and access federal facilities with their existing driver’s licenses or birth certificates, as the state continues its work to fully implement REAL ID and comply with federal requirements.
BACKGROUND
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified the State of Minnesota on Oct. 18, 2017 that the state has been granted a formal extension for REAL ID compliance through October 10, 2018. Last week, DHS’s extension was only granted through January 2018. The Governor’s office indicated this additional time extension to Oct. 2018 will provide enough time for DVS to begin implementing REAL ID compliant licenses through MNLARS by next fall.
Real ID licenses are not yet available. However, Minnesotans can currently receive an enhanced driver’s license, which meets Real ID standards for airports. Enhanced driver’s license costs an additional $15 and is available only at 14 licensing stations. Unlike regular driver’s licenses, the enhanced licenses can be used instead of a passport at border checkpoints between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.
For more information, visit: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/news/Pages/default.aspx
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