Dear Neighbors,
I have received a number of questions from constituents regarding recent news reports about REAL ID and whether or not Minnesotans drivers’ licenses will be compliant with Homeland Security standards.
Real ID is a set of standards and procedures for improving the security of driver’s licenses and personal identification cards passed by Congress and enacted into law in 2005. At the time, questions were raised over privacy issues, civil liberties, data security, and how states would handle this unfunded mandate – since they would bear the financial burden of meeting the new standards set.
Minnesota is one of only a handful of states that currently have not implemented REAL ID standards. Now, the Federal government is pushing the remaining states to come into compliance with their standards. Without transitioning to Federal requirements, Minnesotans may not be able to board a commercial aircraft.
As things currently stand, you have nothing to worry about. If you made travel plans, continue with them as you normally would. I am confident that this issue will be addressed and a solution met before Minnesotans would be unable to use commercial aircraft.
If you have further questions regarding REAL ID, please make sure to contact me or my office.
With the Christmas season now upon us, I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Make sure to take time this season to remember why we are celebrating—the birth of Christ. Remember those less fortunate than us and servicemen and women who are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones.
Again, from my family to yours, may you be blessed this Christmas season and may the New Year bring a brighter future.
Merry Christmas!
The Swedzinski Family