Dear Neighbor,
Newly created Joint House-Senate working groups have begun meeting at the Capitol to address three issues that have risen on the radar: REAL ID, Iron Range unemployment, and economic disparities. I am a member of the group that is examining Minnesota's compliance – or lack thereof – with the federal REAL ID guidelines.
Minnesota received word today from the Department of Homeland Security that Jan. 22, 2018 is the earliest that REAL ID compliance would be necessary to board a domestic flight. States still may gain extensions after that, but all air travelers will be required to have REAL-ID-compliant license or acceptable form of ID starting Oct. 1, 2020.
This should ease concerns for people with flight plans as the Legislature continues working toward a resolution. The challenge we face is allowing Minnesota's IDs to meet new federal standards without compromising the integrity of citizens' private data. There are concerns over how this data could be used in the future after it has been collected. So with a number of issues to work through on this matter, the working group should provide a head start when the Legislature convenes.
Regardless of legislative action, Enhanced Drivers Licenses/IDs (which do contain a radio chip that transmits information from the driver’s license to government readers in close proximity) and passports already meet REAL ID standards and are available now to Minnesotans.
Information for obtaining enhanced state IDs is at this link. Click here for an FAQ sheet on this matter from the Department of Homeland Security.
Working groups also have recently been formed to address economic disparities and Iron Range unemployment in our state. I will pass along more on those issues as details on formal proposals emerge.
Sincerely,
Bob