Lawmakers Say First Step in Upgrading IDs Moving Forward

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota House has overwhelmingly approved a bill that sets in motion necessary upgrades to Minnesota driver's licenses.

The measure was approved in a 125-to-2 vote Tuesday night.

Republican Representative Dennis Smith of Maple Grove says the bill would launch a study on how to comply with the federal Real ID Act. Upgraded licenses will be necessary to board domestic flights by October 2020.

Smith says the measures are part of a plan to eventually adopt upgrades to state licenses later this session.

Minnesota is one of just five states that haven't upgraded its IDs to meet the national standards.

The Minnesota Senate will need to approve the amended measure before it heads to Gov. Mark Dayton. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk has said the chamber will approve it.