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Last Updated August 5, 2008 |
Prompted in part by post-9/11 security concerns, the Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in an effort to make it more difficult to acquire fraudulent driver licenses and other identification documents. It took effect on May 11, 2008, although several states have been granted extensions. What Is Real ID?The Real ID Act creates a uniform national list of minimum requirements for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act also sets standards for requiring and verifying documents proving citizenship status, identity and current residence. A central verification hub is being developed to allow all 50 states to easily check the validity of ID cards issued in other states. Citizens will be able to hold only one Real ID card. They will not be permitted to receive a Real ID if they currently hold another driver license unless the first driver license is canceled. The Department of Homeland Security is also working with interested states to develop Real ID driver licenses that will serve as alternative travel documents for travel throughout North America. Those ID cards will substitute for passports for Americans traveling to Canada and Mexico. |
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