Dayton seeks ID extension from feds
Gov. Mark Dayton asked federal authorities Friday to give Minnesota additional time to comply with REAL ID requirements.
Dayton sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security formally requesting an extension.
Federal law requires states to have tougher standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards in place by Jan. 1. Minnesota travelers could face problems at airports if the state doesn’t take action. A few other states have already been granted extensions.
“I remain committed to working to find a solution to allow Minnesotans to board aircraft in compliance with REAL ID,” Dayton wrote.
A federal extension would give Minnesota legislators time to address the issue when the 2016 session begins in March. Lawmakers will have to undo the ban they passed in 2009 on such ID cards.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.