HF3297 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Proof of lawful presence in the United States required to obtain driver's license or identification card.
Related bill: SF1482
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to require proof of lawful presence in the United States for individuals applying for a driver's license or identification card in Minnesota. It aims to enhance the safety of Minnesotans and comply with federal law.
Main Provisions
- Proof of Lawful Presence: Applicants for a Minnesota driver's license or identification card must provide evidence of their legal presence in the United States. This applies to all forms of licenses, including instructional permits and provisional licenses.
- Application Requirements: All license applications must be signed under penalty of perjury, and applicants must declare that all information provided is accurate and truthful.
- Noncompliant Licenses: Licenses not in compliance with the REAL ID Act will not require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence. However, these licenses will be marked "not for federal identification."
- Data Protection: Immigration status data will be classified as private, and there are restrictions on what information the commissioner or driver's license agents can share, particularly concerning federal immigration enforcement.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendment to Age Requirements: Specifies conditions under which individuals under 18 may receive a driver's license, focusing on legal presence and driving records.
- Application Format and Content Updates: Provides updated information required for license applications, including options for a temporary mailing address and notifications about living wills and veteran status.
- Disclosure of Personal Information: Implements rules restricting the sharing of personal data linked to noncompliant licenses and IDs, ensuring such data cannot be used for immigration enforcement or as evidence of citizenship.
Relevant Terms
- Lawful presence
- Driver's license
- Identification card
- REAL ID Act
- Noncompliant license
- Legal presence
- Immigration status data
- Voter registration
- Temporary lawful status
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Transportation Finance and Policy |
| May 06, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirement to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States for applicants under 18."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.04, subdivision 1 to address eligibility requirements for obtaining a driver's license.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on provisional license holding period requirements."
]
},
"citation": "171.04",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirement for all applications to require evidence of legal presence in the United States."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill modifies the application format and requirements for obtaining a Minnesota driver's license or identification card under section 171.06, subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"No changes to signature requirement verification process with a notary public."
]
},
"citation": "171.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Applicants must include proof of lawful presence in the United States."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Modifications are made to the contents required in the application for a driver's license or identification card under section 171.06, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on description required of the applicant, including the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely."
]
},
"citation": "171.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Noncompliant license or identification card issuance criteria and restrictions are amended under section 171.06, subdivision 8.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on requirements for declaring residence and lawful presence not needed for noncompliant applications."
]
},
"citation": "171.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill amends how a driver's license content and design are managed, especially concerning federal requirements.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on licenses issued under specific conditions, including those for underage and senior applicants."
]
},
"citation": "171.07",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Modifications under section 171.07, subdivision 3 relate to identification card contents and design.",
"modified": [
"Changes to the plain marking requirements for applicants under the age of 21."
]
},
"citation": "171.07",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Disclosure protocols for personal information related to motor vehicle operation and public safety are amended.",
"modified": [
"Specific provisions for sharing personal information with the Secretary of State for voter registration completeness."
]
},
"citation": "171.12",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Guidelines on data sharing concerning noncompliant licenses are clarified, emphasizing privacy and compliance.",
"modified": [
"Details on how and when immigration status data may be shared and with whom, ensuring no violation of privacy."
]
},
"citation": "171.12",
"subdivision": "subdivision 11"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Mandates on restricting the use of noncompliant driver licenses as evidence of legal status are outlined.",
"modified": [
"Clarity on prohibitions against using noncompliant licenses or IDs as evidence for citizenship verification."
]
},
"citation": "171.1205",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Federal compliance concerning lawful presence is addressed throughout the proposed modifications.",
"modified": [
"References are made to United States Code title 8 section 1324 compliance."
]
},
"citation": "8 U.S.C. § 1324",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee