TvlLeaders: REAL ID ACT: MN is a "RED" state!

REAL ID ACT: MN is a “RED” state!

The State of Minnesota is now a “Red” state due to its lack of action on the Real ID act. Our state hasn’t taken the appropriate actions to prove to Homeland Security that we intend to address and comply with the federally mandated Real ID act. On January 10, 2017, an advance was made by moving the bill from the Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Membership to its next House Committee based on a 7 – 6 vote in favor of compliance.

As of October 10, 2015, visitors to military bases and most Federal facilities must have an ID issued by either a compliant state (green), or a state that has received an extension in good faith effort to comply with the bill (yellow). Minnesota does not meet either of these requirements. Access to these Federal facilities may impact only a few people, however boarding a commercial aircraft is a likely occurrence. A commercial airplane is part of an industry regulated by the Federal government and the Real ID act includes air travel.

Beginning October 1, 2018 all passengers 18 and older will need to have an alternative ID to a state issued driver’s license if that state is not compliant and has not been given an extension, i.e. Minnesota. If you hold a Minnesota issued driver’s license or identification card you will be stuck here in the cold, unless you have that alternative identification, such as a U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Trusted Traveler Card. For a complete list of alternative form of identification click here.

Ironically some members on the first committee with the narrow vote were completely in the dark as to what a Trusted Traveler Card is. Although most of the general public might not be up on Trusted Traveler programs you would think this group of legislators to be informed. These legislators hold our right to board an airplane in their hands. We need these legislators to realize the impact this will have on both private and business sectors of Minnesota.

Come October 1, 2018 you may find yourself in let’s say Boston, unable to board a plane, in a similar spot as Charlie on the M.T.A, “the man who never returned.” Therefore if you prefer not to be turned away after waiting in line to check your bags, or pass through TSA, and want to see Minnesota become a Yellow, or better yet a Green state, please take action by clicking here to contact your Minnesota State Senator and Representative to support Real ID compliance.