National ID Cards & the Real ID Act
Privacy advocates have long resisted efforts to implement a national identification card system in the United States. However, the Real ID Act of 2005 would come close to establishing a national ID card system by forcing states to meet certain standards when issuing state ID cards or driver's licenses so that these forms of state ID could be considered valid ID for boarding a plane or entering a federal facility, for example. Because of widespread opposition to the legislation from state legislatures, the deadline for implementing the bill has been postponed until 2011.
Other People Are Reading
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History
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A national ID card is not a novel idea in many parts of the world. Great Britain and the U.S. are two of only a few advanced nations that still debate the need for a national ID. In the United States, the Social Security number system has evolved from being a simple account number documenting an individual's work history into a means of confirming one's identity in various commercial contexts---when getting a credit card or opening a bank account, for instance.
Does It Really Mandate Use of a National ID?
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While the Real ID Act does not require that all citizens acquire a national ID card, its provisions could complicate life for people who don't have a nationally recognized form of ID. The act aims to standardize the procedure by which each state issues driver's licenses, requiring the applicant to produce a birth certificate, proof of legal status or Social Security number. Privacy advocates consider the result of this would be a de facto national ID card, even if it isn't issued by the federal government.
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DMV changes
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Under the Real ID system, Department of Motor Vehicle officials would be required to verify an applicant's legal right to live in the United States. Opponents of the legislation say this detracts from the main duty of the licensing agencies to teach proper driving techniques and to license drivers.
Costs
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The Real ID Act requires that state licensing departments implement new technology and security methods, some not even currently available on the market. A National Conference of State Legislatures study estimated that the cost to states for new security and technology could amount to more than $10 billion within the first five years of implementation.
Defense and criticism
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While advocates claim the Real ID act increases security in the United States, critics object to the lack of privacy protections in the legislation. At least 38 states have passed resolutions---or are considering such legislation---opposing the Real ID act, even though some have begun requiring driver's license applicants to produce verifiable forms of ID similar to those required by the Real ID acat.
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