Pocono News Section

Real ID

Real ID - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 7:44PM EST

Reported by: Eric Scheiner
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 @07:44pm EST
WILKES-BARRE -- Pennsylvania is among several states that have asked for an extension on implementing the Real ID act. The initial date for Real ID measures to take place was mid-May, but now many states are looking to phase in the program over several years.

The Real ID act was passed by Congress in 2005 and requires states to issue new, more secure drivers licenses in hopes of making them more difficult to use for illegal purposes.

Opponents of the measure say the information retained by the cards and the related high tech support system will contain names, ages, social security numbers, biometric information and other personal details. They fear identity theft, hackers and government tracking.

Supporters of Real ID say it will make boarding a commercial airline or entering a federal building an easier and more secure process. The ID will feature information that is unique to the individual it is issued to. Allowing for law enforcement officials to easily discover fraudulent IDs.

While there is not a penalty for noncompliance, federal agencies in states not participating with the Real ID program will not be able to accept a driver's license for any official purposes. This would make for longer lines and more security checks for those lacking a Real ID license . There is also a concern over the cost of implementing and utilizing the Real ID system, it will cost billions, and some of the cost may be passed on to consumers getting their drivers licenses. Estimates of $60 to $100 driver's licenses are making some states wary of reaction to Real ID.

WYOU Interactive discusses Real ID with Crime and Security Analyst Joe Peters and Pamela Irwin of the American Civil Liberties Union.