Governor signs Real ID law
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POLSON – A law creating enhanced driver’s licenses that would allow Montanans to board an airplane and enter federal facilities has been signed into law.
Gov. Steve Bullock signed SB 366 on May 25 after it passed the Senate 33-16 and the House 83- 17.
The bill brings the state into compliance with the federal Real ID law that was passed in 2005 in large part due to four of the 19 9-11 terrorists who used driver’s licenses to board planes.
The Real ID Act sets documentation standards for each state to follow in order to verify the identity and citizenship status of applicants for driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs. There are data requirements that must be met as well, including requiring that state computers contain facial recognition technology, for example. A Real ID-compliant driver’s license may not look different than a regular one, but may be differentiated by a star in the top righthand corner, according to minnesota.cbslocal.com.
A person paying for an enhanced driver’s license would pay an extra $25 or $50, depending on when they apply. It’s $25 during regular renewal periods or $50 if one wants to get a Real ID early or not in their regular renewal period.
The extra fees would fund the equipment and staffing necessary for implementation of the law.
The law authorizes the state Department of Justice to borrow up to $4.6 million to finance implementation costs, which could be paid over 10 years.
Those who want to fly as of Jan. 22, 2018 will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or passport. A similar requirement to enter federal facilities began on Jan. 30, although federal courthouses reportedly have allowed exceptions.
According to reports, Bullock has said he plans to ask the federal Department of Homeland Security for two extensions to comply with the Real ID law. The extensions would give the state more time to issue Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses. State residents will still be able to get a non-compliant driver’s license.
Montana had fought compliance with the federal law for years due to concerns over privacy of personal information, costs and states’ rights.
