What Is the Photo Identification Security Act?

Under the Photo Identification Security Act, a bill introduced to the House on July 7, 2009, only certain forms of personal identification would be accepted by the federal government and financial institutions.

Patriot Act

According to the website of U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, co-sponsor of the bill, the proposal would close a "federal loophole created in the Patriot Act that allows for financial institutions to accept alternate forms of identification when opening accounts or obtaining credit cards."

Status

Referred to the House Committee on July 31, 2009, the Photo Identification Security Act (H.R. 3174) showed no further advancement as of January 2010.

Social Security and Photo ID Cards

Under the act, A Social Security card could be used as ID, as well as an ID card issued by a federal or state government.

Driver's License

Under the Photo Identification Security Act, you would be able to use a drivers' license or ID card issued by your state that is in compliance with Title II of the REAL ID Act of 2005.

Passport

You would be able to use a U.S. or foreign passport as ID under the act.

Other ID

Under the bill, photo ID cards "issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)" would be acceptable.

References

• U.S. Rep. Ted Poe: Congressman Poe Co-Sponsors Photo ID Security Act
• Govtrack.us: The Photo Identification Security Act
• The Library of Congress: Photo Identification Security Act

Resources

• GPO.gov: Photo Identification Security Act