A Message from the Wright County License Center:
The second round of legislative changes is set to begin Aug. 1. This round mainly changes or updates specific policy language. Here are some of the highlights that affect driver’s license applications. The REAL ID documents list is expanding to include more options to prove residency. Some of the new additions include Health Savings Account statement; retirement account statement; affidavit of residence at a group home; assisted living or nursing home statement (no more than 90 days prior to application); and student summary report signed by high school principal no more than 180 days prior to application. For veterans wanting to add the veteran designation onto their driver’s licenses or ID cards, the list of acceptable documents also expanded. Veterans will be able to also use a military retiree ID card, veteran ID card or veteran health ID card. Previously, the DD214 form was the only document accepted when the original policy was rolled out in August 2018. Finally, the restricted license allowing a minor to receive their license prior to the age of 16 to perform farm work (typically referred to as a farm permit) has now expanded to include “non-family” based farm work. The owner of the farm will have to provide a written statement as part of the application process. Previously, the farm permit was only allowed for minors working for a farm that their family owned or rented. All requirements remain the same for obtaining this restricted license, it is just simply allowing minors working on non-family-owned farms to now be eligible to apply for the farm permit. On the Motor Vehicle side of our office, new language was added to waive the personalization fee for Gold Star plates. Individuals eligible for Gold Star plates may request them as personalized and will not be charged the associated $100 fee. Gold Star license plates are available on passenger cars and motorcycles. The parent, spouse, sibling or child of a person who has died while honorably serving in active military service may apply for these plates along with the required DD1300 form. Personalization of any plate must comply with the character and sequence requirements based upon the plate type and must be available (not already used on another plate) statewide. The next round of legislative changes begin Oct. 1, 2023.