Real ID Act Deadline Pushed Back to 2009

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Mar 1, 2007, By Gina M. Scott

According to a statement released today by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), states will now have until December 31, 2009 to implement the regulations of the Real ID act.

The Real ID Act implements security features to drivers and identification cards. These standards must be met to allow the card holder to board planes, enter federal buildings and nuclear power plants. States that receive extensions will have to submit proposed timetables for compliance. The regulations include:

Security features that must be incorporated into each card
Verification of information provided by applicants to establish their identity and lawful status in the United States
Physical security standards for locations where licenses and identification cards are issued.

"Raising the security standards on driver's licenses establishes another layer of protection to prevent terrorists from obtaining and using fake documents to plan or carry out an attack," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "These standards correct glaring vulnerabilities exploited by some of the 9/11 hijackers who used fraudulently obtained drivers licenses to board the airplanes in their attack against America. We will work closely with states to implement these standards and protect American's privacy against identity theft and the use of fraudulent documents."

DHS also announced that up to 20 percent of a state's Homeland Security Grant Program funds can be used to help implement Real ID.

The act has come under fire recently with many senators speaking out against it, as well as the Maine legislature signing a joint resolution against its implementation. The National Governors Association (NGA) issued a statement regarding the introduction of an amendment by Senator Susan Collins to delay implementation of Real ID. "This proposal would provide states a more workable time frame to comply with federal standards, ensure necessary systems are operational and enhance the input states and other stakeholders have in the implementation process," said the NGA.

"We are also pleased to have been able to work with Senator Susan Collins, and I believe that the proposed regulations reflect her approach," added Chertoff.

One of the issues most debated about the Real ID act was its addition to the larger "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act."

"Real ID was stuffed into the supplemental appropriations bill for Hurricane Katrina and the troops in Iraq, so of course we had to vote for the bill," said Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, yesterday. "But we had no chance to amend it -- no debate, no hearing, and no consideration of other alternatives. And now we impose on the states an $11 billion unfunded mandate ... I would say we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't stop and think about what we've done."

KW

Comments

By V on Oct 14, 2008

The citizens of this country need to wake up and open their eyes as to what is going on. Allowing this real id to commence will only allow our freedoms to be taken away one step at a time.

By Anonymous on Sep 23, 2007

They treasonous feds keep telling us they are trying to protect us. My question is, who is going to protect us from them? Personally, I fear the tyranny of traitors more than any terrorists! Wake up my fellow citizens. This coming Christmas may be our last as a free people!!

By Anonymous on Mar 24, 2007

I believed that the national government was fighting to protect us from terrorists, so why bring the problem to the legal citizens of this country and all those illegal immigrants that have done nothing but help the economy? The drivers licenses that the terrorists of 9/11 had were fake, so there was no problem with real licenses. The fault should be bestowed uppon the airlines with poor security provisions. Thank God for freedom of speech, if states don't want to implement the Real ID then let them do what they want, since the real problem is at the airports, so they should be regulated extensively, not us. its not our fault the govt can't do what they are supposed to and immigrants making a decent life here shouldn't be segregated either.

By Joseph Murphy on Mar 13, 2007

When President Bush signed the REAL ID Act, He broke his oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution. Our Constitution says: We have the right to be left alone without unwarranted intrusion by government, media, or other institutions or individuals. The REAL ID ACT Kills that right! President Bush and other Representatives of this country are trespassing on our Constitutional rights! When President Bush broke his oath, he betrayed our trust and his promise to protect The Constitution Of The United States. By signing the REAL ID ACT he betrayed our trust and his promise to protect The Constitution Of The United States. (Injury to our nation) and (Commiting Treason) and (Unlawfully Trespassing on our Constitutional Rights) Because President Bush is pushing for a North American Union He is killing this country's sovereignty. Time for impeachment! Congressman Ron Paul: "Proponents of the REAL ID Act continue to make the preposterous claim that the bill does not establish a national ID card. This is dangerous and insulting nonsense." Time for impeachment! This is my opinion. Joseph Murphy

By Anonymous on Mar 8, 2007

They are taking away our civil liberties. This is ludicrous. It will not stop terrorists one bit. But it will permit the Feds to track US, and control US. Say NO! Vote these idiots OUT!

By Anonymous on Mar 7, 2007

There are real issues to resolve in terms of the kinds of information that such cards carry and how costs are shared. Reasonable people should be able to negotiate those matters. What seems clear, however, is that REAL ID does NOT mandate States to change their cards. It just says that, for federal purposes, those cards will not be accepted as I.D. So...the States can go their own merry way, if they choose. If they're happy with the quality and integrity of their credentialing system and don't mind having their citizens disadvantaged, it is entirely their call. But those of us who do care should not be put at risk from such systems. We don't have to have foisted on us another state's preferences for substandard schools or public services, and we ought not have our national and personal security jeopardized by allowing questionable ID to be used as a basis for granting federal benefits, access, or information.

By Anonymous on Mar 4, 2007

Real ID because 2 out of 19 hijackers were carrying fake ID. Hmmm. Talk about ignoring the real problem, 17 "real" ID that were issued.

By Anonymous on Mar 2, 2007

The states created the federal govt not the other way around!! The states do not have to comply with every whim of the federal facists,time for the states to tell the fed where to go, and to fix this mess!!The only terrorism I can see that effects me personally comes out of Mordor on the Potomac

By Anonymous on Mar 2, 2007

This still is our angle for DMV here.

By Anonymous on Mar 2, 2007

Using Social Security numbers on state ID cards is a dangerous thing to do. Individuals have their life histories and life savings attached to these numbers. Experience has proven that neither governments nor companies have the ability to sufficiently protect this information from everyone who has an unethical intention. Identities can be stolen too easily. There are too many unintended consequences that are possible here. Once a Social Security number is stolen, the imformation cannot be erased from all of the possible places where it may have been revealed. Maybe we need to think about a system to change anyone's Social Security number that has been stolen or compromised. That would be fraught with problems, but no fewer problems than what we would see if Social Security numbers were carried by each individual.

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