Americans born after December 1st 1964 will have to get more secure drivers' licenses in the next six years under new rules to be announced today by federal officials. These rules have been drafted post 9/11 and are meant to enhance security by making it harder for terrorists and illegal immigrants to get government-issued identification.The rules have been framed by the Homeland Security Department and are part of the Real ID Act of 2005, which was signed into law by President Bush on May 11, 2005. Titled Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense,the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief 2005, it seeks among other things to establish national standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and non-drivers' identification cards. Originally planned to come into force by 2008 it has been postponed till December 31st 2009, in order to persuade reluctant states to join.
The new cards are to have security features designed to prevent tampering with the document. Individual states will be allowed to select security features from a menu. Before a card can be issued the applicant will have to provide the following documentation:-
1. A photo ID, or a non-photo ID that includes full legal name and birth date.
2. Documentation of birth date.
3. Documentation of legal status and social security number.
4. Documentation showing name and principal residence address.
Digital images of each identity document will be stored in each state database. Each state must agree to share its motor vehicle database with all other states.
The American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to this system as it would amount to a national identity card system which 'would irreparably damage the fabric of American life.
Nonetheless by 2014 anyone wanting to board an airplane or enter a federal building will have to present a Real ID compliant driver's license.Those over 50 years of age are initially exempted, but by 2017 they too would have to produce such identification.
In order to make the plan acceptable to states the federal authorities have slashed the cost from $14.6 billion to $3.9 billion. Over the next year all states will start checking the social security number and the immigration status of applicants. Most states already do it. The other steps outlined in the Real ID Act will be implemented gradually.