The Real ID Act of 2005

For many years the state issued driver’s license has been used as the de facto standard for identification in America. Unfortunately, the process of issuing driver’s licenses varies from state to state and is not perfect in any state. Historically, the process of issuing driver’s licenses to citizens has been subject to complaints of long waits at crowded state motor vehicle offices; high expenses for the state agencies; etc. As a consequence of such complaints, the states have lengthened the term of a license before renewal is required, simplified the procedure of renewal using the internet, and otherwise altered the process to politically accommodate the public. Unfortunately, it is now clear that there may well be terrorists in the midst of the general public who will take advantage of the laxity in most state licensing process and obtain fraudulent driver’s licenses and ID Cards. The Final Report of the 9/11 Commission notes that the 9/11 terrorists had fraudulently obtained valid driver’s licenses and ID Cards. The Real ID Act (RIDA) for the first time establishes a set of minimum federal standards for authenticating and securing the entire driver’s license process. Congress passed the Real ID Act and it was signed into law by President Bush on May 11, 2005. 

The RIDA establishes new procedures for identity verification as a precondition to acceptance of the state driver’s license for identification for “federal purposes” such flight on commercial airlines, entry to nuclear facilities, etc. RIDA requires: proof of identity, date of birth, principal residence address, social security number, and “lawful presence” in the United States. 

What does this mean for the average citizen?