Feds Reject Minnesota’s Request for Real ID Extension

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Federal officials have denied Gov. Mark Dayton's request for more time to comply with stronger driver's license standards to board planes.

Minnesota hasn't upgraded its licenses to meet the requirements of the Real ID Act. It's raised concern that Minnesotans may need an extra form of ID to board a domestic flight as soon as next year.

It will be at least four months before those standards will take effect. But Dayton asked the Department of Homeland Security for an extension to ensure residents' travel plans aren't disrupted.

The federal government rejected that request in a letter to the governor sent on Monday, saying Minnesota hasn't made its case for an extension.

Minnesota needs to reverse a 2009 law banning the state from complying, but the Legislature doesn't return until early March.