Governors Seek Solution to Real ID

Governors remain committed to increasing the security and integrity of driver's licenses and state identification cards, according to a release today from the National Governors' Association. However, the Real ID Act contains unreasonable burdens and unfunded mandates that are unworkable and counterproductive to its goals, said the group.

Currently, governors are waiting for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to answer several questions about Real ID in order to determine the full impact of the law on states and drivers. For example, it is unclear whether the 227 million drivers licenses and ID cards already issued will need to be re-issued in the next 3 years and what the costs associated with that would be, including higher license fees for citizens.

During the National Governors Association's annual meeting in Des Moines earlier this month, governors discussed the implications of the Real ID Act with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and encouraged him to draw on the expertise and perspective of governors in creating mutually agreed-upon, meaningful regulations for the issuance of these documents.

Governors also are asking Congress to fund the changes required in the Real ID Act and to work with states so they can meet the goals of increased security and reliability.

The importance of driver's licenses and ID cards is not in question; states have been issuing them for decades and governors recognize they are the most acceptable form of identification. Governors look forward to working with the federal government to develop truly effective national standards that can create a more secure America.