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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dan Fabian (R)

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Statement from Rep. Dan Fabian on REAL ID

Monday, January 11, 2016

Dept. of Homeland Security Announces New REAL ID Deadline for 2018

Saint Paul, MINN—On Friday, January 8, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed the state of Minnesota that a current Minnesota-issued driver's license will continue to be an acceptable form of identification to board a domestic commercial flight for at least the next two years.

DHS stated the earliest that REAL ID compliant driver's licenses would be required to board a domestic commercial flight is January 22, 2018, with possible extensions for states after that date. 

Full compliance will begin on October 1, 2020, and every air traveler will then need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

"For folks with travel plans, I hope this news will help them rest assured that they will not face any difficulties boarding an airplane," said Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). "Ensuring that Minnesotans can continue to fly without hindrance is a top priority, and with the Department of Homeland Security announcing that enforcement will not begin until at least January 2018, the legislature will have ample time to make the necessary changes to state law when we reconvene in March for the 2016 session."

Rep. Fabian added that for anyone with additional questions or concerns regarding REAL ID, they should reach out to his office at 651-296-9635 or rep.dan.fabian@house.mn.