Sunday, November 04, 2007

Is Real ID a real problem? I don't think so.

The Washington Post has an article about how the Department of Homeland Security may be backing down on the Real ID program and pushing it's implementation back to 2018. Because some states are whining they can't take the time to really make sure the people getting a license are who they say they are. You can't make this stuff up. Here is the money quote:



"In 2005, Congress passed legislation mandating Real ID to standardize information that must be included on licenses, including a digital photograph, a signature and machine-readable features such as a bar code. Under the law, states also must verify applicants' citizenship status, check identity documents such as birth certificates, and cross-check information with other states and with Social Security, immigration and State Department databases. The new licenses must include features to thwart forgery and fraud, and drivers born after 1935 will have to present birth certificates or passports to obtain them. "



And the problem is? I wonder if any of the states that complain about the burden of complying have ever heard of computer technology? Businesses can find out almost instantly your credit history but, states are crying it's too much of a burden to find out if the individual requesting a license is actually who they say they are. Oh I forgot they are governmental organizations,

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