Greetings,
I’ve heard from a few folks who are confused about the current status of Minnesota becoming REAL ID-compliant, so I want to clarify a few details: REAL ID licenses will begin to be distributed next fall (2018). At this point, no action needs to be taken by any Minnesotan. Your current driver’s license will still meet federal requirements until the new REAL ID-compliant licenses are distributed.
In case you forgot: the U.S. Congress passed REAL ID in 2005 with the intention to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain a fraudulent identification card. The differences between what a REAL ID compliant license will look like and our current driver's license are minor. A REAL ID compliant license will verify the license holder’s legal status in the United States and ensure he or she is not licensed in more than one state. The bill that was signed into law during the 2017 Legislative Session allows for a dual track system for Minnesotans to become REAL ID compliant; you will have to either apply to get a REAL ID, or apply for a noncompliant state driver's license and a passport to use as your form(s) of identification in order to board airplanes, or visit military bases and federal buildings.
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929, 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Sincerely,
