Dakota Times

A Minnesota senator is urging residents to get their REAL ID now to avoid a mad rush when the requirement takes effect on Oct. 1.

“Right now, only a small fraction of people have gotten a REAL ID, although the state estimates that approximately half of Minnesotans have a passport, which does satisfy the federal government’s identification requirement,” state Sen. Scott Newman told the Dakota Times.

What’s happening in Minnesota is being played out throughout the nation. According to reports and a Feb. 21 CBS News article, nearly 185 million Americans may not have the right identification to get through airport security by the deadline.

The issue has become serious enough that Congress members sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security dated Jan. 24.

“We are increasingly concerned about potential disruptions to air travel if significant numbers of travelers present themselves at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints without acceptable forms of identification,” eight members wrote.

A REAL ID is required to board an airplane, enter federal buildings or military installations. However, individuals with passports, military IDs or Global Entry cards can go through airport security.

According to the CBS News report, approximately one in 10 Americans got their REAL IDs.

“Minnesotans need to act now if they wish to receive a REAL ID by the deadline as processing times are increasingly drawn out as the deadline approaches,” Newman said.

The REAL ID requirement was created following the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Applicants must provide multiple forms of documentation, such as a valid ID, birth certificate or passport, social security card and residency proof.

While REAL ID is needed to access certain areas, it does not change voting regulations in the state, Newman said.

“Minnesota has among the least restrictive voting laws in the country, so any method to ensure election integrity has to be set at the state level,” he said.