Rep. Mark Anderson (R-Lake Shore)
Some state lawmakers say “enhanced drivers licenses” that are currently an option for Minnesotans might be a better way to go than completely reworking state drivers licenses to meet federal REAL ID requirements. It appears that enhanced drivers licenses — which can be used instead of a passport for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean — fulfill most or all standards for federal REAL ID. Lake Shore Republican Mark Anderson says, “If we already have a means to accomplish what he have by using an enhanced I-D, why don’t we just stop there for now? We’ve got a couple more years to work with these people out in Washington.” Public Safety Department officials say they’ll get information on costs. Of 128 drivers license offices in Minnesota, only 14 currently offer enhanced drivers licenses.