Immigration (Driver Licenses & IDs)

This bill modifies Minnesota's driver's license application requirements by expanding the list of acceptable documents to prove identity, date of birth, and name changes. It adds specific documents like REAL ID-compliant licenses, U.S. passports, certified birth certificates, immigration documents (e.g., I-551 cards), and court-ordered name change proofs (marriage certificates, divorce decrees). Applicants must now provide unaltered, legible documents from the approved list. The changes directly affect anyone applying for or renewing a Minnesota driver's license or ID card who relies on these alternative documents. The bill does not alter license revocation rules, which remain unchanged in section 171.17.

This bill amends Minnesota law to regulate how immigration status data from certain driver's license applications is handled. It prohibits the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or license agents from sharing "immigration status data" (which includes proof of citizenship or lawful presence) with immigration enforcement agencies, except in limited cases like criminal convictions. The bill appropriates $218,000 in 2026 and $202,000 in 2027 for staffing to monitor applicants who haven't verified citizenship or lawful presence, specifically to check if they've registered to vote or been convicted of a crime. It directly affects noncompliant license applicants, state agencies handling license data, and law enforcement agencies receiving limited criminal data.

This bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards (issued to applicants using foreign documents). It requires the state Department of Public Safety to collect specific data about foreign documents used (country of origin, document type, and prior submissions), while prohibiting the sharing of immigration status data - such as documents proving citizenship or legal presence - with federal immigration enforcement agencies. The bill classifies immigration status data as private and restricts its sharing only to specific purposes, like improving voter registration accuracy, jury selection, or processing certain federal immigration forms. It directly affects applicants seeking noncompliant licenses and state agencies handling license applications.

SF 290 modifies data requirements for Minnesota applicants seeking noncompliant driver's licenses or identification cards (typically used by individuals without standard proof of legal presence). It requires the state to collect specific, non-identifiable data about foreign documents submitted (country of origin, document type, and whether the document was previously used), but prohibits sharing any applicant-identifiable information. The bill strictly limits sharing "immigration status data" only for jury service accuracy, victim outreach, processing specific federal forms, or when required by court orders. It explicitly bans sharing such data with federal immigration enforcement agencies, except under a valid warrant or court order.

This bill allows Minnesota driver's license and ID card applicants to declare their citizenship or immigration status without proving it to the state. It creates "noncompliant" licenses (not meeting federal REAL ID standards) that must be marked "not for federal identification," "not for voting," and "not for benefits." These licenses cannot be used for federal purposes or state benefits, and applicants who don't demonstrate U.S. citizenship or lawful presence can still obtain them. The bill directly affects noncitizen residents applying for licenses in Minnesota who cannot or choose not to provide federal immigration documentation.