HF3297

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 bill aims to enhance the safety of Minnesota residents by ensuring all applicants for driver's licenses and identification cards provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. It aligns state practices with federal immigration laws.

Main Provisions

Proof of Lawful Presence: Applicants for a Minnesota driver's license or identification card must show evidence of lawful presence in the U.S. This includes all types of licenses, such as instruction permits and provisional licenses.
Application Requirements: Applications require documentation proving legal presence, and applicants must declare this information under penalty of perjury. The bill mandates that both identity and legal residence must be presented for any compliant license or ID.
License Designation: Licenses and identification cards must reflect compliance with the REAL ID Act, which includes a temporary designation for those with temporary lawful status.
Noncompliant Licenses: A noncompliant license, which does not meet federal identification standards, will not require proof of legal residency. These licenses must be clearly marked as not for federal identification.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

New Restrictions: The bill introduces new requirements for demonstrating lawful presence for the issuance of driver's licenses and IDs, a change from previous regulations where this was not universally required.
Privacy Protections: The bill restricts data sharing related to immigration status, defining it as private data. Information can only be disclosed internally within the licensing division or to the Secretary of State for voter registration accuracy.
Government Use Limitation: It explicitly prohibits state agencies or subdivisions from using noncompliant licenses as evidence of immigration status, and restricts sharing data with federal immigration authorities unless ordered by a court.

Relevant Terms

Lawful Presence
REAL ID Act
Noncompliant License
Immigration Status Data
Minnesota Identification Card
Proof of Residency
Federal Immigration Law

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
May 04, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy
May 04, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy
May 05, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
May 05, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for proof of legal presence in the United States for applicants under 18 years."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill proposes amendments to the requirements for obtaining a driver's license as detailed in section 171.04, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which persons under 18 can be eligible for a driver's license, focusing on legal presence and previous violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 169A.20 related to violations impacting eligibility for receiving a driver's license.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates section 169A.20 in the list of violations considered for license eligibility."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169A.20",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 169A.33 related to violations impacting eligibility for receiving a driver's license.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes section 169A.33 as a factor in determining eligibility for driver's licenses based on prior convictions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169A.33",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 169A.35 related to violations impacting eligibility for receiving a driver's license.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds section 169A.35 to the list of violations affecting eligibility for acquiring a driver's license."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169A.35",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill includes sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 on the list of violations that impact the issuance of a driver's license.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures that sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 are considered in the list of disqualifying driving infractions for licensing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169A.50-169A.53",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References section 171.177 related to the requirements influencing eligibility for receiving a driver's license.",
      "modified": [
        "Lists section 171.177 among the violations impacting the approval of driver's license applications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.177",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites section 260C.201, subdivision 1, concerning court-ordered denial of driving privileges.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates court-ordered denial under section 260C.201 as a condition preventing license issuance until the denial period concludes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.201",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites section 260B.235, subdivision 5, regarding juvenile court orders affecting driving privileges.",
      "modified": [
        "Establishes that section 260B.235 is a factor in license issuance when a court order for denial is in effect."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260B.235",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision allowing reduced fee for developmentally disabled individuals."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Allows for a reduced fee for identification cards for individuals as defined under section 252A.02, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "252A.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision for reduced fee for identification cards under certain mental health conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Allows for a reduced identification card fee for individuals with mental illness as described in section 245.462, subd. 20.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245.462",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 20, paragraph c"
  }
]