Keeping Old Licenses At Question In Minnesota Real ID Debate

ST. PAUL (AP) - As Minnesota lawmakers look to upgrade driver's licenses to satisfy the federal government, should residents be able to keep their old IDs?

Add that to the list of questions at the Legislature surrounding Real ID. The debate over whether to comply with new federal ID standards goes back years but has ramped up over concern about disrupted air travel.

House Republicans advanced a bill Monday that wouldn't allow residents to keep their older, non-compliant licenses. Some Democrats tried and failed to add an opt-out clause when the new system goes live.

It's unclear what approach the Democrat-controlled Senate will take.

The federal government could start requiring the new IDs for domestic flights as soon as early 2018. Minnesota is seeking an extension.