Tracker Pixel for Entry

​Real ID

Last Word | October 25th, 2017

I have received several questions from constituents over the last couple of months regarding Minnesota’s compliance with the federal REAL ID law.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress in 2005 as a measure of homeland security. The concept is for states to adopt one set of minimum standards for identification cards that can be used by all federal agencies.

In practice, this requires people to have REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards to enter certain federal facilities and board commercial aircraft.

The 2009 Minnesota Legislature passed a law banning the state from complying with the federal REAL ID requirement. Some legislators had concerns at the time about the federal government collecting data on Minnesotans, while others were concerned about the cost of implementing the law.

Minnesota became the last state in the union to comply with the federal REAL ID requirements when the Legislature passed a bill earlier this year. The cost to the state will be $13.6 million in Fiscal Year 2019, and $20.6 million in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 biennium. As a result of the Legislature passing this bill, Minnesota has received an extension by the federal Department of Homeland Security until October, 10, 2018 for full REAL ID compliance.

The state’s Department of Public Safety should begin issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards by October, 2018, although additional federal compliance extensions may be granted until October, 2020.

Folks will then be able to apply for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards ahead of the expiration date of their existing driver’s licenses and identification cards for a fee of between $2 and $6, in order to stay on the 4-year renewal schedule.

All DVS locations in Minnesota will be have the option of issuing REAL ID driver’s license and identification cards. Non-REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards will still be available. In addition to REAL ID and non-REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards, enhanced driver’s licenses and identification cards are currently available for an additional $15 on top of the standard rates for driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Currently, the closest location to obtain enhanced driver’s licenses and identification cards is Detroit Lakes; however, by next October all DVS locations should have the option to issue them.

Enhanced driver’s licenses and identification cards allow people to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean (without a passport). They also allow people to enter certain federal facilities and board commercial aircraft.

With the new law passed this spring, and the federal government’s extension for Minnesota to get into full compliance, we should be in good shape to fully implement the law by 2020 when no additional extensions will be given.

[Editor’s note: Rep. Lien represents the communities of Moorhead and Oakport Township in the Minnesota House of Representatives.]

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comArea children ages 10 and over are invited to join the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum to explore how rivers work at two Fargo Public Library locations this summer. Stream Table Workshops will…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

Friday, July 25, doors at 8:30 p.m.Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 N. Broadway, Fargo"This is what you need to know about Daikaiju,” said Kelly Weidman. “They're loud. They're all instrumental (duh). And they're the band to see…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymond fargogadfly@gmail.comThere might be room for Trump on Mount Rushmore after allDuring King Donald’s first term he told Kristi Noem, then a congresswoman and now his secretary of homeland security, his dream was to be…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comAri Aster’s political satire “Eddington” premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at Cannes in May, where Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” received the prize. A…

Press ReleaseTouchmark at Harwood Groves will host a special artist reception featuring renowned glass artist Jon Offutt on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The event celebrates Offutt’s temporary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…