Area tourism could be affected if Minnesota fails to implement a Department of Homeland Security program, according to a local travel agency owner.

The Department of Homeland Security last week denied Gov. Mark Dayton’s request for a waiver for implementing REAL ID, a security-enhanced license that will soon be required for commercial air travel, entry into some federal buildings and access to military bases.

Minnesota is the only state that hasn’t been granted an extension to comply with the standards that were passed in 2005.

“We’re all kind of waiting to see if they do go ahead with that right away or they go through with it later in the year,” said Certified Travel Owner Sue Stehr.

Stehr said area tourism could be hindered if someone chooses not to fly or drive from another part of the state.

“It could be very disruptive for travelers,” Stehr said.

Top Homeland Security officials said Minnesota will get 120 days notice before a REAL ID-compliant card will be required for domestic air travel.

Stehr said the notice could begin today.

Minnesota is among a few states that have resisted the shift to enhanced licenses and has a 2009 law on the books barring state agencies from planning for such a conversion.

Gov. Mark Dayton tried last week to quell residents’ worries that their standard Minnesota driver’s licenses eventually won’t be accepted at airport checkpoints, but he also urged lawmakers to address the issue soon.

He said the written warning makes it imperative to hold a special legislative session this month to repeal the 2009 law so that planning can begin. He and top legislators have been discussing a special session on that issue and others, but they haven’t settled on the terms.

Even after Minnesota lawmakers authorize the REAL ID, state officials said it could take up to six months to make them available. Dayton said he would support a two-tier system allowing people to choose a standard identification if they don’t want to go through the new application process with the understanding travel burdens could result.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.