SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House passed House File 3, the bill to make Minnesota REAL ID compliant, on a bipartisan vote 72-58. Without action on REAL ID this session, Minnesota driver’s licenses will no longer be acceptable for boarding planes as soon as January of 2018.
“I was happy to vote for the two-tiered REAL ID bill that will give Minnesotans the choice to opt in to a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or opt-out and get a non-compliant license,” said Rep. Drew Christensen, R-Savage, a co-author on the bill. “Minnesotans deserve the peace of mind that they will be able to board planes or visit a military base with their driver’s license.”
REAL ID is a federal law passed in 2005 with the goal to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain fake identification cards by setting standards that states must meet for their driver’s licenses. Some federal facilities, including military bases, have already began to require those without compliant licenses to provide passports or other documentation in order to be admitted.
“Passing REAL ID today is the culmination of two sessions worth of work to ensure Minnesotan’s have the opportunity to retain a fully functioning driver’s license,” said Rep. Dennis Smith, the bill’s chief author. “This is a win for everyday Minnesotans.”
The Senate version of the bill, SF 166, is making its way through the committee process.
###