Foreign IDs for driver’s licenses

People unable to obtain a state driver’s license or identification card because they don’t have the required forms of documentation might be allowed to submit a government identification card from another country as one of two forms required.

Sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls), HF1718 was approved by the House Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division on an 8-5 party-line, roll call vote and sent to the House Finance Committee with a recommended referral to the House Transportation Finance and Policy Division.

Clark said four other states already allow foreign government identification as acceptable forms when obtaining a license to drive. She added that the issue of proper licensing and insurance for drivers is a separate issue from legal and illegal immigration issues.

A companion, SF1615, sponsored by Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.