Governor Hassan's Statement on Senate Vote on REAL ID

Statement

Following the New Hampshire's Senate vote today to kill SB 262, legislation that would give New Hampshire residents a choice whether to obtain a federally accepted driver's license or other identification card, Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement:

"I am disappointed that the Senate voted to reject common-sense legislation that would give Granite Staters the choice to obtain a license or identification card that is compliant with federal requirements for acceptance in certain facilities, or to instead receive a driver's license that will only remain acceptable for state use. Because the federal government has notified us that there is not adequate justification to extend our REAL ID waiver and this legislation has failed, I have directed the Division of Motor Vehicles to begin notifying applicants for new licenses and license renewals that their New Hampshire driver's license may not be accepted at some federal buildings, and may not be accepted for air travel as early as 2016. I will continue to work with and urge the legislature and our federal delegation to find a common-sense solution that will not require Granite Staters to obtain a federal passport in order to enter secure facilities or to travel on airplanes."

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