Gov. Mark Dayton
(Washington, DC) — The federal Department of Homeland Security has refused to give Minnesota more time to comply with REAL ID requirements for state drivers licenses — but at least for now, Minnesotans can still board domestic flights using their current drivers license. Federal officials wrote Governor Mark Dayton that “Minnesota has not provided adequate justification for continued noncompliance.” Lawmakers have been talking about changing state law to allow the new drivers licenses, either in a special session or during the regular legislative session which begins in March. State officials say Homeland Security continues to say it will provide at least 120 days notice before a REAL ID is required to board commercial flights. But Minnesota drivers licenses are not acceptable I-D to enter some federal facilities, including military bases.