The 2015 North Dakota Legislature rejected a measure to adopt the federal “Real ID” standard for drivers’ licenses.
But the bill’s main sponsor says he’ll bring it up again in the 2017 session.
Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) says the measure overwhelmingly passed the Senate, but failed in the House.
"It was just short-sightedness on the part of the 'no' voters in the House," said Mathern.
The Real ID act was passed by Congress in 2005. It requires minimum security standards for state issued drivers’ licenses and other ID cards. While North Dakota has not yet adopted Real ID, it was been granted a waiver from the federal Department of Homeland Security. However, that waiver expires in October – and it’s not clear if North Dakota will be granted another waiver.
"This (Real ID makes sense, not only for Homeland Security, but it makes sense that our state should get into 21st century technology in using these chips," said Mathern. "It also makes sense for our North Dakota citizens to be able to go back and forth to Canada with their drivers' license."
Supporters of Real ID say North Dakotans may not be able to use their drivers’ licenses to board airplanes, once that waiver expires.
Mathern says this may make it easier to get it through the House.
