Minnesota may OK online driver's license renewals

Driving the news: A proposal directing the Department of Public Safety to establish a process for online renewals of regular and Real ID-compliant driver's licenses sailed through the divided House as part of a broader transportation spending and policy bill this week.

The fine print: Online renewals would only be permitted for existing Minnesota license holders 18 and older whose address has not changed and who have had their ID picture snapped within the last five years.

The catch: The language isn't in the latest version of the DFL-led Senate's draft transportation budget bill, though Gov. Tim Walz included the proposal in his own budget.

Flashback: Minnesota temporarily let drivers file for a new license online early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

• That law expired in 2021.

What's next: Lawmakers in both chambers and Walz will spend the coming weeks reconciling differences between their budget proposals ahead of a May 19 adjournment deadline.

Related coverage: Flying this summer? You may need a Real ID