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Rock County tops the list of REAL ID-compliant cardholders at nearly 22 percent

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Star Herald Editorial

Nearly 22 percent of Rock County driver’s license or ID cardholders are REAL ID ready, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division.
As of Jan. 30, 1,652 Rock County residents or 21.80 percent of the total license and ID cardholders have completed the necessary steps for the enhanced driver’s license or ID card.
Pope County is ranked last out of the state’s 87 counties with 4.96 percent or 463 people, bringing the state average to 12.04 percent or 567,543 Minnesotans who are REAL ID ready.
Our neighbors in Cottonwood County are at No. 5 on the compliance list followed by No. 11 Murray County, No. 17 Jackson County, No. 20 Pipestone County and No. 55 Nobles County.
Our percentages in Rock County show that we understand the necessity for the enhanced identification laws and want to comply, whether or not we use our licenses for the intended enhancements (airline travel and entering federal buildings, for example).
Our local Department of Motor Vehicles staff can be credited for helping customers through the REAL ID application process.
Despite the seemingly complicated application process, we are getting the job done.
Beginning Oct. 1, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver’s licenses or ID cards to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
Airlines will require travelers without a REAL ID to have a passport to step on a plane.
However, the standard driver’s license is still valid for lawful driving privileges.
Minnesota is one of the last states to implement the enhanced identification documentation requirements as a result of the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal act establishing uniform minimum standards for issuance of state identifications including driver’s licenses.
The act came in response to federal anti-terrorism and regulations that control access to commercial aircraft and federal facilities.
What makes the REAL ID special is the tiny microchip attached to the card. Authorized individuals can access biographic and biometric data about the person presenting the card through a special reader. The ID card also includes the same information.
To apply for a REAL ID, a person must have a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number and now, just one document for proof of residency.
There are currently 5,936 licenses in Rock County that are not REAL ID compliant — yet.
Let’s keep Rock County at the top of the ID card data list and show St. Paul officials that we take our country’s security seriously.

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