Dear Neighbors,
Over the holidays the Star Tribune had a story regarding Real ID. The story revealed that fewer than 10 percent of Minnesotans with a driver’s license or state ID card have obtained a REAL-ID compliant license or ID card.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for issuing licenses and prohibits certain Federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.
On October 1st, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
After October 1st you will be unable to get on an airplane or enter a federal facility with a regular driver’s license or state ID card. It is my understanding that it is still taking several weeks for the state to turn around applications.
There are additional documents needed to obtain a Real ID Driver’s license or Enhanced Driver’s License or state ID card. Click the link above for more information on these additional documents. The Department of Public Safety also has a pre-application online page to help speed up the process for processing an application for the REAL ID.
If you have any questions, please be sure to reach out to me. I encourage you to get going on the application process now as there will likely be a huge rush and backlog in applications as we get closer to the October 1st deadline.
Contact me if you have any questions or concerns related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
John