The National ID Debate

Ever since President George Bush signed the REAL ID Act of 2005, there has been increasing debate over the effectiveness of such an act. States are lining up in a revolt against the notion of a National Driver's License. This could lead to significant problems down the line for citizens.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 calls for a national driver's license to help curb illegal immigrants and terrorism. The national driver's license will include the following elements: full real name, date of birth, gender, ID number, photo, legal residence, signature, physical features, and possibly fingerprints. The Act will also require states to have their record-keeping for drivers license to be linked to a national database. For immigrants, states will require individuals to provide proof that they are in the country legally and are able to provide such documentation needed to prove this.

Many Americans see a national driver's license as a step towards curbing illegal immigrants and to help provide better homeland security. Those that support the Act say since the national driver's license will replace the State issued licenses no civil right will be violated. They also argue that with all the information and possible fingerprints the national driver's license may also help prevent identity theft.

On the other side of the debate are those Americans that are in disagreement with a national driver's license, who argue that it won't do anything President Bush says it will. They say that it may actually promote more identity theft instead of hindering it. Since the national cards will have more personal, vital, information on them, they could be even more helpful to thieves. The national cards would actually make identity theft more of a scare for millions of Americans since identity theft could be harder to prove since more vital information like birthdates and possibly fingerprints will be used to obtain credit. Another point those who oppose such a national card have is that it may not deter terrorism at all. Most terrorist attacks such as September 11, 2001 and Oklahoma City happen with the terrorists having legitimate documentation. Timmy McVeigh was a born citizen and several of the hi-jackers of 9/11 had valid visas and in some cases had a drivers license.

Another factor that will play into the debate is the States themselves. The States are claiming unconstitutional trespassing on their states rights. Each State issues their own drivers license with their own guidelines. The REAL ID Act does not call for federal funding for states to overhaul their current systems to meet new federal guidelines. The Act could cost each State up to 11 billion dollars. A few States may not have the extra money in their budgets for the additional cost of the Act. Another concern several States are bringing to light is privacy issues. An identity theft could hit a goldmine with the National ID Card. With cards having full names and possible fingerprints, the cards will be viewed as more than just a driver's license. They could be used to enter and leave the country, not to mention receive credit. Thieves will view the ID cards as more valuable.

States are now passing their own resolutions against the Federal ID Card. Several States are taking the lead of Maine in issuing resolutions that says they will not participate in a Federal ID Card. Representative James Guest from Missouri is trying to form a coalition between several states to go against the REAL ID Act.

If States don't comply by May 2008, citizens of those states may not be able to board an airplane or enter a Federal building. Citizens will have to watch closely to what happens with the REAL ID Act. It could greatly impact their future.