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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Drew Christensen (R)

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REAL ID Update

Friday, January 8, 2016

Dear Friends,

You may have already seen a story online or on the news about Minnesota’s lack of compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. Although this sounds scary, I assure you, there’s nothing to worry about.

This afternoon, we learned the Department of Homeland Security will not enforce REAL ID compliance to board airplanes until JANUARY 22, 2018. If there are still those without a REAL ID, our state can apply for an extension until October 2020 when REAL IDs will be mandatory for domestic air travel.

Just yesterday, I joined a group of legislators to discuss this issue in the REAL ID Working Group. Both Republicans and Democrats, Representatives and Senators, came together to try and find a solution to this problem. This is an important issue in St. Paul and one we will continue to discuss leading up to and during the legislative session.

Again, there’s no reason to panic about REAL ID; we have over two years before travel plans can be impacted. If you still have questions about this issue, I hope you’ll contact me at 651-296-4212 or rep.drew.christensen@house.mn.

Have a great weekend!

Drew