Minnesota License Might Not Be Enough At Airports

For Minnesotans, using a driver’s license as identification at the airport might not be enough.

As early as 2016 Minnesota along will four other states’ licenses will not be a valid form of ID.

This is due to the REAL ID Act passed by Congress after 9/11.

It requires licenses to have added security features, more pictures and a star in the upper right hand corner.

Minnesotans do have an option of applying for an enhanced driver’s license that will meet the security requirements but it does cost extra.

The state’s department of public safety says they will give the public ample notice before changing the requirements.

“Right now, Minnesota has an advanced or enhanced driver’s license that allows you to travel into countries like Canada, for example, without a passport and so that would be another thing to look at to say, okay well this enhanced driver’s license that we already have will qualify for this,” says Minnesota St. Rep. Ben Lien.

Minnesota licenses are already not valid at some nuclear facilities and federal buildings.