Dayton renews Real ID delay request

Gov. Mark Dayton has asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security again for an extension on the state’s compliance with new federal drivers’ license requirements.

An extension would ensure that Minnesotans can continue to board commercial aircraft once federal enforcement of Real ID standards begin in Jan. 2018. Dayton made his request in a letter sent Monday to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson.

The agency denied an earlier Minnesota request because the state had at that time not taken any steps toward compliance.

Dayton noted in the letter that he recently signed a new law that lifts the 2009 ban on state planning for Real ID.

“This is significant movement on the part of the Legislature,” Dayton wrote. “Legislative leaders have also stated their desire to pass a law to implement REAL ID prior to the May 23, 2016 adjournment deadline. The Commissioner of Public Safety and I are eager to implement REAL ID to maximize the time Minnesotans who wish to obtain a REAL ID have to do so prior to the Department of Homeland Security's deadline for REAL IDs to board commercial aircraft.”

Dayton also asked Johnson for more time for Minnesotans to use their current drivers’ licenses when entering federal buildings and military bases.

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