Dear neighbor,
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a Happy New Year, and hope that you all enjoyed your holiday seasons.
Also, this is a friendly reminder that tomorrow, January 9, is my monthly “Second Saturday” coffee hour. I will be meeting those interested at Dunn Brothers Coffee (120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. I hope you can make it, and that you will bring your comments and questions.
REAL ID
Much attention has been recently given to Minnesota’s continued noncompliance with the federal REAL ID act. This law, passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005, requires higher security standards for identification needed to board commercial aircraft and to access many federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear facilities. Currently, not only do Minnesota driver’s licenses do not meet these requirements, but a state law passed in 2009 prohibits Minnesota from implementing the REAL ID program.
Late last year, the Department of Homeland Security denied Minnesota’s request for an extension to come into compliance. This means that sometime in 2016, DHS will begin enforcement of REAL ID for Minnesota air travelers, though they have said they will provide a 120 day notice before doing so. Sensing the urgency of this situation, Gov. Dayton is seeking a special session to address this, and a legislative working group has been convened to find a solution.
While it remains to be seen when the 120 day clock will begin ticking, and whether we will be able to pass a REAL ID fix in either special or regular session before this happens, if you are worried about the prospect of your current driver’s license not being accepted at the airport, you have a couple of options. First, you can apply for an enhanced Minnesota driver’s license which meets REAL ID requirements, but several documents are required for this including your birth certificate and social security card. You can find out more information about the application requirements here. Second, I would encourage you to travel with your passport as a safeguard if you have one, as this continues to be accepted as a form of identification to board airplanes.
Insurance Information Required for Vehicle Registration
Beginning January 1 of this year, when you register a vehicle, renew your license tabs, or transfer ownership of a vehicle, you will be required to provide auto insurance information. This new law, passed during the 2015 Legislative Session, was a recommendation of the Motor Vehicle Insurance Task Force. According to a report of the task force, 10.8 percent of Minnesotans drive without insurance, and this new law is aimed at decreasing that number.
Vehicle owners will be required to provide the name of the insurance company, policy number, and effective dates of the policy. For more information, please visit the Department of Public Safety’s website.
As always, feel free to reach out me with your questions, comments, and concerns.
Best wishes,
Kim Norton
State Representative