ST. PAUL, MN – On Thursday, April 14, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) released their initial report on REAL ID compliance in Minnesota. Dennis Smith, R-Maple Grove, chief author of the REAL ID legislation, SF1646/HF1732, gave the following statement on the report:
“The report from DPS is encouraging news for Minnesotans,” said Smith. “Obtaining full REAL ID compliance before October 1 of this year remains our goal, and we are on track for implementation prior to that date.”
The estimated cost of implementation before the October 1, 2016 target date ranges from $4.3 million to $5.1 million to cover training, updating technology, and other miscellaneous program costs. Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has approximately $12 million available in the DVS Operating Accounts that Smith believes can be used to cover REAL ID costs.
“I anticipate the Department of Public Safety will be able to cover the costs associated with REAL ID using already-available funding meaning there will be no new taxpayer dollars needed,” added Smith. “As we proceed toward implementation, it’s important to remember Minnesotans can use their current ID cards to fly on commercial airplanes; there’s no reason to worry.”
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