Senate Committee Hears ACLU Testimony on Real ID, Responds Skeptically to DHS Posturing

ACLU Press Release on the hearing

Read the testimony of the ACLU's Caroline Fredrickson

"Senators, States Beat up on Real ID Plans," C-Net News.com, April 29, 2008.

"Tester Investigates the Cost of Real ID Act," KTVQ-TV, April 29, 2008.

Real ID Extensions Show Law Won't Really Be Enforced

ACLU Press Release on the Real ID extensions.

"Real ID Showdown Averted," Stateline, April 4, 2008.

"REAL ID, Real Resistance," Christian Science Monitor, April 3, 2008.

"Maine Gets Extension on Real ID Compliance," Associated Press, April 3, 2008.

"Senators Fault DHS Pressure On Real ID," Washington Post, April 3, 2008.

"Homeland Security Blinks on Real ID: No Hassles on May 11," CNet News.com, April 2, 2008.

Governor Sanford of South Carolina Stands Strong, Makes Case Against Real ID to DHS

"Sanford to Chertoff: We Did Not Seek Real ID Extension," WLTX-TV, April 8, 2008. 

Governor Sanford's office sent a letter to DHS today saying that South Carolina will not comply with Real ID. 

Read the Governor's Press Release, "Governor Sanford Responds to Real ID Issue"

"S.C. Won't File Extension for Real ID," Associated Press, March 31, 2008.

"Sanford: State won't comply with REAL ID," The State, March 31, 2008.

 Read the ACLU's Press Release, "Gov. Mark Sanford Cites Problems with Failed Program, Refuses to Participate"

Montana Stands Strong as Department of Homeland Security Caves on Compliance Extension

The state received a waiver it "did not ask for," in a last-ditch face-saving effort by DHS.

"Montana Governor: DHS 'Blinks on Real ID," Threat Level, March 21, 2008

"Signs of Possible Deal on New ID Rules," Washington Post, March 22, 2008.

"States Challenge Homeland Security's ID Deadline," NPR, Morning Edition, March 26, 2008.

California lets DHS know that extension request does not imply compliance

"California Backs Off Real ID - Update," Wired, March 20, 2008.

Read the California DMV's letter to DHS stating that they have not committed to implementing Real ID HERE.

California Joins the Real ID Rebellion

"Anti-Real ID Rebellion Spreads to California," Wired, March 10, 2008. 

States Say No (and Yes) to Real ID Before May Deadline

Declan McCullagh, "States Say No (and Yes) to Real ID Before May Deadline" CNet-News.com, March 4, 2008.

Administration Continues to Balk When Pressed for Real ID Funding

"Bush Rebuffs Govs' Request for More Stimulus," Stateline, February 25, 2008.

Real ID Threatens the Privacy of Domestic Violence Survivors

Anne Broache, "Real ID Worries Domestic Violence Groups," C-Net, February 8, 2008.

 

C-Net News.com four-part series on Real-ID: "Real ID vs. The States

Declan McCullagh, "FAQ: How Will Real ID Affect You?" C-Net, February 7, 2008. 
     Podcast>

Anne Broache, "Religious Minorities Face Real ID Crackdown," C-Net, February 6, 2008.

Declan McCullagh and Anne Broache, "Federal Buildings Become Real ID Zones," C-Net, February 5, 2008.

Broach, Anne and McCullagh, Declan, "Real ID Could Mean Real Travel Headaches," C-Net, February 4, 2008.

Anne Broache, "Real ID Worries Domestic Violence Groups," C-Net, February 8, 2008.

Montana Governor Stares Down Homeland Security Threats

Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) has written a letter to governors of other states that have opposed Real ID, calling on them to resist the Department of Homeland Security's attempt to force states to comply. 

"Schweitzer Seeks Allies Against Real ID," Associated Press, January 19, 2008.

Ryan Singel, "Montana Governor Foments Real ID Rebellion," Wired, January 18, 2008.

Read the letter here (PDF).

Department of Homeland Security Releases Final Real ID Regulations

Two and a half years after the passage of the Act, the Department of Homeland Security released regulations for implementation of Real ID today.  The regulations punt on many of the major questions about Real ID, and push implementation of the Act well into the next decade.

Read the regulations here.

Read the ACLU's statement here.

Read the ACLU's fact sheet on the regulations here.

"Air Travelers Stuck in Security Showdown Between Bush Administration, States."  Associated Press, January 12, 2008.

"U.S. Issues National ID Standards, Setting Stage for a Showdown."  New York Times, January 12, 2008.

Real ID on its Deathbed, State Officials Charge

In private conversations with state officials, the Department of Homeland Security has said they will not keep travelers from states that have rejected Real ID off airplanes - a last-ditch effort to bring states onboard to prop up the failed program.

"Homeland Security Retreating from Facets of Real ID," Washington Post, November 4, 2007.

"Is Real ID on its Deathbed?" CNET News blog, November 2, 2007.

"Why States are Resisting US on Plan for Real ID," Christian Science Monitor, November 5, 2007.

Read the ACLU's press release here.

Real ID Funding Amendment Killed in Senate!

The Senate voted 48-46 to kill a proposal to fund the Real ID Act.  This means no money will be provided by the Senate to pay for Real ID, and the program is likely to face even stronger opposition from the states.

Read ACLU press release here.
"Senate Rejects Extra $300 million for Real ID," CNET, July 27, 2007.

U.S. Senate Takes Stance Against Real ID

In a surprising rebuke to Real ID supporters, the Senate voted 52-45 against killing an amendment to the Immigration Reform Bill, that would have removed Real ID from the bill.  A motion to end debate on the bill was also defeated, prompting Majority Leader Harry Reid to pull the bill from the floor.

"National ID Plan May Have Killed Immigration Bill," New York Times/CNET, June 29, 2007. 

"Senate Takes Step Away from Real ID," CNET, June 27, 2007.

"Baucus, Tester Halt Immigration Debate," Sen. Max Baucus Press Release, June 28, 2007.

"ACLU Urges Congress to Create Real Immigration Reform, Not Reliance on Unworkable Real ID Poison Pill," ACLU Press Release, June 28, 2007.

South Carolina Opts Out of Real ID

June 13, 2007 -- Today Gov. Mark Sanford signed a bill that states simply, "The State shall not participate in the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act."  South Carolina becomes the sixth state to pass a statutory ban on Real ID implementation, following Montana, Washington, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Maine.

"6 States Defy Law Requiring ID Cards," USA Today, June 19, 2007.

"SC Says No to Complying with National Driver's License Standards," Associated Press, June 13, 2007.

Tennessee Becomes 16th State to Adopt Anti-Real ID Measure

A bipartisan Resolution passed by the Tennessee Legislature (SJR0248), which cleared the House floor June 11 by a vote of 88-0, resolves that Real ID "not be implemented by the State of Tennessee."  For a map of legislative action and up to date status reports, click here.

Nebraska and South Carolina Adopt Resolutions Opposing Real ID; Oklahoma Opts Out

A total of 15 states have now passed legislation rejecting Real ID, and Oklahoma became the fourth state to pass a statute forbidding the state from implementing the law.  Meanwhile, the Houses of Representatives in Louisiana and Tennessee also passed resolutions opposing the implementation of Real ID in their states.  These bills now go onto the states' respective Senates.  For a map of legislative action and up to date status reports, click here.

New Hampshire Senate Approves Real ID Opt Out Unanimously

"Revolt Against New US ID Card Grows," Reuters, May 25, 2007.

Illinois Passes Resolution Opposing Real ID and Encouraging its Repeal

Edwin Yohnka, "Real ID Act Could Be a Real Nightmare for Privacy," Chicago Sun-Times, May 19, 2007.

"Illinois Lawmakers Oppose Real ID," Bloomington Pantagraph, May 23, 2007.
 

Missouri, Georgia and Nevada Join Growing Chorus of States Rejecting Real ID

The Georgia Assembly passed and Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill allowing the state to delay implementation of Real ID until protections can be established that guarantee the "economic privacy and biological sanctity" of Georgia Residents.

Nevada passed a joint resolution unanimously in the Assembly and with only vote against in the Senate, which urges the US Congress to repeal the Real ID Act.

Missouri also passed a concurrent resolution urging Congress to repeal Real ID.

A total of 11 states have now passed legislation rejecting Real ID.  Go to the map and status page for regular updates.

Two Years After Passage, Senate Judiciary Committee Holds First Hearing on Real ID

The hearing fell on the day comments were due to the Department of Homeland Security on the proposed rules for implementing the act.

Read comments on Real ID regulations here.

"Leahy, Others Speak Out Against New ID Standards," Washington Post, May 9, 2007.

"Agency Affirms Mandate for Driver's Licenses," New York Times, May 9, 2007.

"State Rebellion At Real ID Echoes in Congress," Stateline, May 9, 2007.

"Real ID Revolt," Wall Street Journal Editorial, May 8, 2007.

Declan McCullagh, "Congress Rethinks the Real ID Act," CNET, May 8, 2007.

"ACLU Scorns Real ID Act on the Heels of National Rebellion Against Harmful Driver's License Law," ACLU Press Release, May 8, 2007.

In other news, the Department of Homeland Security's own Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee refused to endorse the Department's proposed rules for Real ID.

"Committee: Real ID Act Needs Security Overhaul," Washington Technology, May 8, 2007.

Colorado Becomes Eighth State to Say "No" to Real ID

Just a week after Hawaii and North Dakota passed resolutions calling on Congress to repeal the Real ID Act, the Colorado General Assembly passed a resolution declaring that it would pass no legislation and provide no funding to implement the law, and stating opposition to any portion of Real ID that violated the Colorado and US Constitutions. 

Text of the bill.

Public Denounces DHS at Real ID Town Hall Meeting

The response to the Department of Homeland Security's proposed rules for implementing Real ID was overwhelmingly negative at a public forum in Davis, CA.  State lawmakers from around the country, DMV employees and administrators, and private citizens resoundingly called on DHS to withdraw the proposed rules and send the Real ID Act back to Congress.

"DHS Sweats Out National ID Town Hall Meeting," Wired, May 2, 2007.

"Critics Question Proposal for National ID Standards," San Jose Mercury News, May 2, 2007.

Governor Signs Bill Making Washington Fifth State to Reject Real ID

Standing left to right: Becky Loomis, Department of Licensing; Jennifer Shaw, ACLU of Washington Legislative Director; sponsor Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (10th District); Sharon Whitehead, Department of Licensing; Kathleen Taylor, ACLU of Washington Executive Director; Liz Luce, Department of Licensing Director; Casey Bloom, Sen. Haugen's office.
Seated: Gov. Chris Gregoire
***

Washington became the fifth state, and the second in two days, to say no to the federal Real ID Act.  SB 5087, passed with overwhelming majorities in the Senate and House, blocks state implementation of the Real ID Act unless the federal government offers full funding and privacy protections for Washington residents.

Read the ACLU of Washington's Press Release here.

"Gregoire Signs Bill Rejecting National ID Card," Associated Press, April 18, 2007.

 

Montana Formally Opts Out of Real ID

Standing from left: Scott Crichton, ACLU of Montana; House co-sponsors Rep. Shannon Augare (Browning), Rep. Diane Rice (Harrison), Margarett Campbell (Poplar); Bill Scannell; Jim Harrison
Seated: Sponsor Rep. Brady Wiseman (Bozeman); Gov. Brian Schweitzer
* * *

Gov. Brian Schweitzer today signed a bipartisan bill, passed unanimously by the state legislature, that bars the state from participating in Real ID, calling the law "inimical to the security and well-being of the state of Montana."  This is the first binding statute to be passed by a state opting out of Real ID.  So far, Maine and Idaho have passed non-binding resolutions saying that they will not implement the law, while Arkansas passed two resolutions calling on Congress to repeal Real ID.

Read the bill, HB 287, authored by Rep. Brady Wiseman and passed unanimously in both chambers of the Montana legislature.

"Montana Enacts 'Declaration of Independence' from Real ID," ACLU Press Release, April 17, 2007.

Associated Press, "Gov Signs Law Rejecting Real ID Act," Billings Gazette, April 17, 2007.

Sen. John Tester's Floor Statement on the Passage of HB 287.  PDF >

Washington Legislature Votes to Oppose Real ID Implementation

The Washington House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill to block state implementation of the Real ID Act unless the federal government offers full funding and privacy protections for Washington residents.  The bill was sent to the Governor's desk, who has said she will sign it.  This action makes Washington the fourth state, following Maine, Idaho and Arkansas, to reject Real ID.

Bill information is available here.
Jennifer Byrd, "Legislators Challenge Bush on Driver's Licenses," Associated Press, April 6, 2007.

Arkansas Becomes Third State to Reject Real ID

The state of Arkansas became the third state today to pass anti-Real ID legislation out of both chambers, with the House giving approval to two Senate resolutions, one calling on Congress to repeal the Real ID Act, and another "urging Congress to add critical privacy and civil liberty safeguards to the Real ID Act of 2005 and to fully fund or suspend implementation of the Real ID Act."

More information and text of the bills available here.

Senate Panel Holds Hearing on Real ID

Appearing before a key Senate panel, the American Civil Liberties Union today urged Congress to examine the Real ID Act and take steps to correct the civil liberties and privacy failures in the law.

Read the full press release here.
Read the testimony of ACLU Legislative Counsel Timothy Sparapani here.
"Senators Skeptical of Real ID Act Rules," CNET News, March 27, 2007.

Idaho Becomes Second State to Reject Real ID

The Idaho state Senate today approved a memorial (resolution) rejecting Real ID by a vote of 19-15.  The Idaho House had previously passed it unanimously.  Maine opted out in January, and numerous other states are moving in the same direction. 

Read the ACLU's press release here.
The Idaho memorial text is here.

Real ID Scorecard Shows Regulations Get an 'F'

The Real ID Scorecard, (PDF) a systematic analysis of the Department of Homeland Security's regulations for implementing Real ID, finds that they solve only 9 percent of problems with the act that have been identified.

The ACLU’s analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations revealed that of the 56 problems identified on the scorecard, the regulations passed 5 (9 percent), scored an incomplete on 9 (16 percent), and failed the rest.

Read the ACLU's press release here.

Real ID Regulations Released

The Department of Homeland Security released its guidelines for implementing Real ID today.  Information and analysis is available here.

The Department of Homeland Security released its guidelines for implementing Real ID today.  Information and analysis is available .

"Reforming Real ID," San Francisco Chronicle, March 2, 2007.

"Federal Requirement for Tamper-Proof Licenses Will Raise Feesl for Drivers by 2013," New York Times, March 2, 2007.

"Real ID Act Postponed Two Years," Los Angeles Times, March 2, 2007.

"National ID Card Rules Unveiled," Wired, March 1, 2007.

"Bush Administration Sets Real-ID Guidlines," All Things Considered, National Public Radio, March 1, 2007.

Akaka and Sununu Reintroduce Real ID Fix Bill in Senate

The bill, which was first introduced at the end of the 109th Congress, would repeal the driver's license section of the Real ID Act and replace it with the negotiated rulemaking process that was established by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.  Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and John Tester (D-MT) signed on as co-sponsors.

Read Sen. Akaka's floor statement here.

Read the ACLU's press release here.

Rep. Tom Allen Introduces Real ID Fix Bill

The Maine Democrat has filed legislation that would scrap the Real ID Act and replace it with a negotiated rulemaking process that would include state licensing experts, federal officials, and civil liberties and privacy advocates.

H.R. 1117 (PDF)

"Allen Touts Measure to Replace ID Law," Associated Press, February 20, 2007.

Letter from Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and other organizations supporting Allen bill.

Spencer S. Hsu and Darryl Fears, "As Bush's ID Plan was Delayed, Coalition Formed Against It," Washington Post, February 25, 2007.

Declan McCullagh, "Digital IDs Face Opposition Among the States," C-Net News, February 26, 2007.

NPR: "States Question Driver's License Law," Morning Edition, February 27, 2007.  Listen here.

"Stricter Driver's License Rules May Fuel a Firestorm," US News & World Report, February 23, 2007.

States in Open Revolt Against Real ID

Following Maine's lead, the Houses of Representatives in Vermont, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho and New Mexico and the Georgia and Arizona Senates each voted in favor of bills that reject Real ID, and in the case of Montana, prevent the state from implementing the law.  New anti-Real ID legislation has since come up in other states, including Kentucky, Washington and Missouri.  Check the status of anti-Real ID legislation in the states here.

Eric Lipton, "Rebellion Growing as States Challenge a Federal Law to Standardize Driver's Licenses," The New York Times, February 5, 2007.

Leslie Miller, "States Following Maine's Lead to Fight National Driver's Licenses," Associated Press, February 5, 2007.

Ben Arnoldy, "Resistance Rises to US Law that Requires Stricter ID Standards," Christian Science Monitor, Feburary 9, 2007.

Maine Becomes First State to Reject Participation in Real ID

On January 25, Maine became the first state to reject participation in the Real ID national identity card scheme, despite a supposed threat that the state’s Driver’s Licenses would no longer be recognized by the federal government for a variety of purposes including boarding an airplane and entering federal courthouses. Acivity in other states suggests that Maine's action will be just the first in a cascade of state refusals. (For other states where action is pending, see Status of Anti-Real ID Legislation in the States)

The resolution passed unanimously in the State Senate (34-0), and nearly unanimously in the State House of Representatives (137-4).

Ever since Real ID was rammed through Congress over 18 Months ago, the big question has been whether any states would take the leap and opt out of Real ID.  Now a state has done that, and it may well throw the whole scheme into crisis.

Maine resolution against Real ID.
National ACLU press release on Maine's action
Associated Press, "Maine Lawmakers Take Stand Against Real ID Act"  Online >
Los Angeles Times, "Maine Lawmakers reject national identification," Online>
Reuters, "Maine revolts against digital U.S. ID card," Online >
Declan McCullagh, "Maine rejects Real ID," CNET  Online >
UPI, "Maine Lawmakers reject Real ID," Online >

Real ID an Expensive Headache for Vermont

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lawmakers are dismayed by the cost to the state, and a bill in the legislature calls on Congress to fund the program and adopt changes advocated by the National Conference of State Legislatures and National Governors Association.

 

"Lawmakers Question Cost and Purpose of Federal ID Program," Boston Globe, January 19, 2007.  Online >

"A Cynical Law," Rutland Herald Editorial, January 20, 2007.  Online >

More information on the Vermont resolution available here.

The NCSL/NGA/AAMVA Report available here.

Washington Introduces Bill Defying Real ID Act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen and others, prohibits the state from implementing Real ID unless it is funded by the federal government and includes privacy protections.

 

Read the bill text here (PDF).
Check status here.

Bill to Refuse Participation in Real ID Introduced in Montana Senate

The bill, introduced by Sen. Brady Wiseman, calls Real ID "inimical to the security and well-being of the people of Montana."

More information available here.

Sens. Akaka and Sununu Introduce Real ID Fix Bill

Read Sen. Akaka's floor statement here: PDF >
Bill text; PDF >
ACLU press release Online>
"NGA and NCSL Applaud Congressional Recognition of Real ID Shortcomings," Online >

Are You a Citizen?  Prove It.

When Colorado state Sen. Andy McElhany (R) championed adoption of the strictest identification requirements in the country, his aim was to keep illegal immigrants off state welfare rolls. He didn’t anticipate making it harder for his 15-year-old daughter to get a learner’s permit.

Stateline.org, January 8, 2007.  Online >
 

Nation's Governors "Universal" in Opposition to Real ID

"Will Real ID Cause Chaos at the DMV? Governors Revolt Over New Rules in Driver's Licenses," US News & World Report, December 10, 2006. Online >

DHS Regulations Said to be Approaching; Delays Have Made Deadline Impossible

The Department of Homeland Security continues to struggle with the complexity of implementing Real ID.

"Real ID Comes With Privacy Pitfalls," Federal Computers Weekly, October 23, 2006.  Online >

"New Real ID Pointer System May Be Modeled After Trucker Database," Washington Technology, October 23, 2006.  Online >

"Real ID Draft Regs Due by Year's End," Federal Computers Weekly, October 20, 2006.  Online >

"Pointer System Could Speed Real ID Info Sharing," Federal Computers Weekly, October 20, 2006.  Online >

Real ID: Where Rubber Meets the Road in Privacy Debate

Part four in MSNBC's five-part "Privacy Lost" series examines the Real ID Act, which eviscerates "any hope we may have of keeping government, industry and criminals out of our personal business."

Mike Stuckey, "Where Rubber Meets the Road in Privacy Debate," MSNBC, October 20, 2006.  Online >

Threats to privacy discussed at ACLU Membership Conference in Washington DC.

"Your Papers Please!  Fighting the Total Surveillance Society," Reason Online, October 19, 2006.  Online >

Wall St. Journal Slams Real ID

"State agencies put the total cost of standardizing drivers' licenses at upwards of $11 billion; Congress has so far appropriated all of $40 million.  Again, this is from a Republican Congress that made its first legislation upon taking power in 1995 a bill against imposing 'unfunded mandates.'  It included a pledge not to impose any burden on the states that wasn't fully financed from Washington.  Now comes Real ID, transforming state departments of motor vehicles back into everyone's worst nightmare.  Some accomplishment."

--"Real Bad ID," The Wall Street Journal Editorial, October 10, 2006.  PDF >

ID Requirements Keeping Deserving Kids Off Medicaid

A report in The Washington Post shows that identity verification requirements similar to those in Real ID are preventing thousands of low-income children from obtaining health insurance.  Rules requiring proof of citizenship and birth certificate verification are cited as "the single greatest factor" for why eligiible children are being denied Medicaid coverage.

"Rules Deter Poor Children From Enrolling in Medicaid," Washington Post, October 8, 2006.  Online >

 

Nation's Governors, State Legislators, DMVs Jointly Call For Major Revisions to Real ID, Issue Partial Cost Estimate Of Over $11 Billion

The National Governors' Association (NGA), the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) issued partial cost estimates for Real ID.  Even omitting the costs of many major elements of the Act that could not be estimated, the groups found that Real ID would cost at least $11 billion.  (State-by-state estimates were not made available.)

NGA, NCSL & AAMVA's National Impact Analysis Report, Sept. 21, 2006: Online >

ACLU press release on report: Online >

"ID Program Will Cost States $11 Billion, Report Says," Washington Post, September 22, 2006.  Online >

"New driver's license system short-sighted," Daily News, Longview, WA, September 23, 2006.  Online >

"Deep Six Real ID," Opinion, Baltimore Sun, September 27, 2006. PDF >

Lawmakers Demand Funding for Real ID Requirements

At the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators, lawmakers from across the country said the Federal Government either needs to come up with a way to pay for Real ID, or repeal it.

Associated Press, August 15, 2006.  Online >

Real ID Problems Continue to Roil Alabama

State administrators, governors, and others have been warning about the disruption and chaos that actual implementation of Real ID will likely bring. This is not mere speculation, however - one attempt to begin initiating early compliance with the law has already created a "perfect storm" of confusion and disruption.

"Wait to get driver license is expected, but this long? Server failure causes computers to crash statewide," Decatur Daily News, July 30, 2006.  Online >

"Long Lines for Licenses," Decatur Daily News, July 23, 2006.  Online >

"New Driver Licenses Come With Delays," The Auburn Plainsman, March 9, 2006. Online >

"New License System Slows Drivers Nationwide," The Birmingham News, February 23, 2006.  Online >

"Real ID: Really Aggravating?" Decatur Daily News, February 10, 2006.  Online >

"Concerns About Real ID," Decatur Daily News, February 10, 2006.  Online >

"Alabama's Use of Real ID Brings Delays for License Applicants," [Northwest Alabama] Times Daily, February 10, 2006.  Online >

Associated Press,  "Alabama puts brakes on license notification," Decatur Daily News, October 7, 2005; Online >

Read more about the Alabama mess here.

Breach of Veterans' Data Reveals Vulnerability of ID Information

 Real ID would make this problem far worse by creating a "one-stop shop" for identity thieves.

"Technology and Easy Credit Give Identity Thieves an Edge," New York Times, May 30, 2006.

"ID Theft Made Easy," USA Today  Editorial, May 24, 2006.

"Analysts: 'Real ID' Act Could Help ID Thieves," E-week, May 6, 2005.

Real ID Narrowly Dodges a Bullet in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Bill on Quitting Real ID Shows Act's Troubles

The State Senate narrowly defeated a measure that would have rejected the Real ID act.  Passage would have seriously disrupted the unified national identity card system that proponents are hoping to create.  Nevertheless, while Real ID continues to cling to life, having dodged a bullet in the Granite State, the act is still troubled and will remain so despite having survived its latest crisis.

Read the full statement of ACLU Technology and Liberty Project Director Barry Steinhardt here.

Sen. John E. Sununu, "Real ID: Unnecessary, Unfunded, and Unlikely to Make You Safer," Manchester Union Leader, May 17, 2006.

"A Missed Chance: Real ID Deserved Rejection," Union Leader Editorial, May 15, 2006.

"Mandate for ID Hits Resistance Among States," New York Times, May 6, 2006.

"Real ID Battle Takes on New Face in the Senate," Union Leader, May 5, 2006.

"ID Law Stirs Passionate Protest in N.H.," Washington Post, May 1, 2006.

"Senate Panel Unanimous Against Real ID," Union Leader, April 27, 2006.

"Real ID Protest is Right Stand to Take," Concord Monitor Editorial, April 26, 2006.

"Gov. Lynch Says He Will Sign Bill Opposing Real ID," Associated Press, April 26, 2006.

"Real ID Dealt Another Defeat in Legislature," Union Leader, April 26, 2006.

"N.H. Leads Revolt Against Real ID," Associated Press, April 25, 2006.

"This small state cannot be coerced or bribed into abandoning the principles embodied in its state motto," said Neal Kurk, one of the bill's Repbulican sponsors.  He urged lawmakers to fire "a shot that will be heard around the nation."  Online >

 New Hampshire House bill prohibiting the state from participating in Real ID
 New Hampshire Senate resolution opposing Real ID and calling for its repeal.

National Conference of State Legislatures Head Says Real ID Comes at "Too High a Price"

NCSL Executive Director William T. Pound writes, "...Federal legislators and rule makers are negating state driver's license security efforts, imposing difficult-to-comply-with mandates and limiting their flexibility to address new concerns as they arise. In other words, decades of state experience is being substituted for a 'command and control regime' from a level of government that has no driver's license regulatory experience." 

            "Real ID; Real Questions," Stateline.org, February 24, 2006.  Online >
            The NCSL's February "Recess Alert" on Real ID: Online >

Computer Problems Already Causing Long Waits For Drivers

The Birmingham News is reporting that driver's license applicants in Alabama and other states are already being subject to long waits and repeat visits due to cross-database checks of the kind that are mandated by Real ID.  One official told the newspaper:

"I can tell you people are spending a full day here. . . We are getting a backlash from parents who have to stay here with a 16-year-old applying for his license. It blows a whole day, and the vast majority of people have taken a day off work."

"New License System Slows Drivers Nationwide," The Birmingham News, February 23, 2006.  Online > 

Security Experts Say Real ID Won't Stop Terrorism

At the RSA Conference in San Jose, CA, the consensus among security experts was that Real ID would be ineffective as a tool against terrorism, and would be huge waste of money and resources.
            
            Security Focus, February 17, 2006.  Online >

Real ID Act Faces Real Challenges

"Opposition is building against the Real ID Act requirement that, among other things, forces states to standardize driver licenses. Many at the state level fear that the under-funded, aggressive mandate will be overly burdensome and difficult to meet. At least one coalition of privacy-concerned groups fear the new rules, in development now, could force states to include RFID chips on their driver licenses."

            More from SecureID News, January 31, 2006.  Online > 

DMVs Nationwide Say Real ID Will Be a Real Nightmare to Implement

Newly uncovered documents reveal that state officials believe that federal legislation called the Real ID Act will require extensive changes to existing practices at motor vehicles departments, will be extremely difficult to implement by the Act's deadline, and will carry heavy expenses.

The survey, which was unveiled by the Associated Press, was conducted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, apparently to take a sounding of the states' challenges and readiness for tackling compliance with the federal Real ID mandate. The states' responses reveal widespread concern about various provisions of the Act, and a general skepticism that implementation will even be possible by the 2008 federal deadline.

            AP Story (January 12, 2006); Online >
            Learn more about the AAMVA survey here.
            Find your state's response to the AAMVA survey here.    

 

Virginia Task Force Calls on Congress to Revise Real ID

A task force assembled by Virginia Governor Mark Warner to study the impact of implementing Real ID in the state warned that it would "have significant financial impact on the Commonwealth," and that every ID applicant "will have to wait in line much longer at the DMV, and provide significantly more paperwork."  The task force also warned about dangers to privacy, and urged Congress to revise Real ID. 

Virginia Real ID Task Force report (December 29, 2005)

New York City Council Resolution Denounces Real ID

The NYC Coucil has passed a resolution denouncing Real ID for imposing "onerous burdens on states to develop new technology for data collection and document verification, while providing no financial support," and asking New York State to opt out of the program.

Daniella Gerson, "Council to State: Opt Out of Law Barring Illegal Immigrants from Driver's Licenses." New York Sun; December 23, 2005; Online >

Republican Mike Huckabee, Chairman of the National Governors Association, Opposes Real ID

"The federal government doesn't have the guts to put out a national ID card, and they are trying to make 50 states come up with this program. Congress is now asking the states to make every driver's license a national ID card, or passport. It's absurd. The cost to the states will be staggering."

Deborah Solomon, "Questions for Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee," New York TImes Magazine, August 7, 2005; Online >

Governors Project Skyrocketting Costs at Annual Meeting

At the National Governors Association annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, governors blasted the federal government for passing off the costs of the Real ID Act to the states.  Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico called the law "a shortsighted, ill-conceived initiative,’’ and promised that the governors would challenge it in court.
Associated Press, "Driver's License Costs will Skyrocket, Governors Warn," Des Moines Register, June 18, 2005; Online >

See the NGA press release on Real ID here.

Washington State Estimates High Costs for Implementing Real ID

The State Department of Licensing put the initial costs for implementing Real ID at $50 million a year, and also indicated that fees for obtaining licenses would have to be raised.  Department of Licensing Press Release (May 17, 2005); Online >

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States Blast Real ID Act

States are threatening to challenge in court and even disobey new orders from Congress to start issuing more uniform driver's licenses and verify the citizenship or legal status of people getting them.

Suzanne Gamboa, "Senator Slams New Driver's License Rules," Associated Press and SFGate, May 10, 2005; Online >