Come May 2008, over 70 million American’s state driver’s licenses will no longer get them on aircraft or in federal buildings. Residents in 17 states are caught between the Bush Administrations post 9-11 security rules and their own state’s government.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said if states want to be able to allow their citizens to use their state licenses to board aircraft or enter federal buildings they must seek a waiver requesting more time to comply. If states do not seek a waiver before May 2008, people will have to use their passports or the newly created REAL ID license or face additional vigorous screening at the airport or in federal buildings.
Under the rules announced Friday, Americans born after Dec. 1, 1964, will have to get more secure driver's licenses in the next six years.
So far, 17 states have passed legislation or resolutions objecting to the REAL ID Act's provisions, many due to concerns it will cost them too much to comply. Those states include: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. Over 70 million citizens reside in those states.
The American Civil Liberties Union has fiercely objected to the effort, particularly the sharing of personal data among government agencies. In its written objection to the law, the ACLU claims REAL ID amounts to the "first-ever national identity card system," which "would irreparably damage the fabric of American life."
There are quite a few states that have not complied with the REAL ID act; however, there are some large states such as New York and California who have already complied with the new laws.
But get ready when traveling and you get pulled aside because your state’s driver’s license does not get you past security anymore. There are some big states on the list that have not complied. Lots of hub airports. Lots of politically important states on the list.
KSDK-TV
Related Reading:
US Cuts Cost of REAL ID Act-- Reuters
What's Wrong with REAL ID-- Real Nightmare.org
Department of Homeland Security-- Press Release
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