Dear Neighbor,
A number of constituents have asked me questions regarding how new federal identification standards will impact Minnesotans.
Before we get into the details, know your everyday form of ID will remain sufficient to board an airplane even as Jan. 1 passes, and the federal government will provide at least 12 weeks' notice as to when the new requirements under "REAL ID" will take effect.
Here is a closer look at this subject:
The federal government initiated the REAL ID program after the 9/11 terrorist attack. It increases ID standards in a series of four phases. The first three steps already have taken place and apply to things such as accessing federal facilities and entering nuclear power plants.
The fourth and final phase pertains to ID requirements for boarding commercial aircraft for domestic flights. Minnesota's current standard-issue driver’s licenses and ID cards do not meet the federal REAL ID requirements, raising questions and causing confusion in our state.
Minnesota has made improvements to the security of its licenses, but cannot complete the final steps to fully meet REAL ID requirements because of a state law prohibiting compliance. That law went into place several years ago due to concerns over data privacy. REAL ID mandates the retention rate of seven years for paper copies and 10 years of source documents. It also requires that states verify an applicant’s date of birth, Social Security number and primary place of residence.
These issues and more are likely to be addressed during the next legislative session. The governor has requested an extension since the Legislature is not set to convene until March 8.
However, regardless of legislative action in Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicates the Minnesota Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) do meet the REAL ID requirements for boarding domestic flights. Those forms of state ID will work even when the federal government puts REAL ID into full effect.
The Minnesota EDL/EIC cards already are readily available and were developed as a way to travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico without acquiring a passport. EDLs/EICs are available at the state driver’s license exam stations and cost an additional $15. They also require additional proof of U.S. citizenship and verification is conducted to confirm the applicant is lawfully present in this country.
Look for more details as this subject develops. For now, information on obtaining enhanced state IDs is at this link. Also, click here for an FAQ site from Homeland Security.
Sincerely,
Jim