HF4227

Purpose

To provide a temporary waiver of fees for obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or Minnesota identification card when the replacement is needed due to arrest or detention, and to set conditions and a time window for when this relief applies.

Main provisions

• Temporary fee exemption: Adds a new Subd. 2d to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 171.06. For an applicant who submits a declaration under paragraph b, the commissioner must not impose a fee for a duplicate license or Minnesota identification card, including a surcharge and a filing fee under subdivision 2 and a filing fee under section 171.061 subdivision 4.
• Eligibility requirements: To qualify, the applicant must provide a declaration that the applicant was arrested or detained by a peace officer or a federal agent (as defined in section 626.77 subdivision 3) and that the arrest or detention caused the applicant to lose possession of the license or Minnesota identification card.
• Scope of the exemption: The fee exemption applies to the first instance of a duplicate license or Minnesota identification card issued to an applicant on or after October 1, 2026 and before February 1, 2029.
• Documentation required: The process requires the applicant to submit a declaration confirming the arrest/detention and loss of possession.
• Funding to implement: The bill includes appropriation of money to support implementing this temporary exemption.

Notable changes to existing law

• Creates a temporary exemption from paying duplicate license or ID fees (including surcharge and certain filing fees) in specified circumstances.
• Introduces a declaration-based eligibility mechanism tied to arrest or detention by law enforcement or federal agents.
• Limits the exemption to the first duplicate issued within a defined time window (Oct 1, 2026 to Feb 1, 2029).

Effective dates and duration

• The exemption applies only to the first duplicate license or Minnesota identification card issued on or after October 1, 2026 and before February 1, 2029.

Relevant terms - duplicate license - Minnesota identification card - fee exemption - surcharge - filing fee - Minnesota Statutes 2024 §171.06 - Subdivision 2d - declaration - arrest - detention - peace officer - federal agent - 626.77 subdivision 3 - October 1, 2026 - February 1, 2029 - first instance - appropriation