REAL ID

The Real ID Act of 2005 establishes national standards for state-issued driver's licenses (DL) and non-driver's identification cards (ID). After 11 May 2008 federal agencies are scheduled to only accept DL/IDs that meet Real ID standards. This does not mean that states are required to issue Real ID compliant DL/ID cards; however, non-compliant cards will not be accepted for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.

Real ID compliant credentials will incorporate a digital face image and incorporate some type of common machine-readable technology, such as RFID technology. In addition, the incorporation of iris recognition and/or fingerprint technology has been mentioned. Each state will also be required to share data from their DL/ID card database with other states.

The exact requirements of Real ID have yet to be defined. The system will likely provide for a more comprehensive document vetting process resulting in a nationally standardized DL/ID system. Many states are currently modernizing their information technology structures crucial to DL/ID issuance, as well as developing management plans to address migration to REAL ID compliant processes and setups.

The National Conference of State Legislatures estimates Real ID costs at $8.5 billion for total national system implementation.

IBG Analysis

Implementation of Real ID is likely to impact more citizens than any other biometric initiative. DHS will define the common machine-readable technology that will be incorporated in these credentials. In addition, it is not anticipated that a biometric (other than a digital photo) will be selected for incorporation, which could alleviate some concerns of citizens. Nevertheless, the cost of this massive upgrade of each state's driver's license system will be large and also controversial.

Click here to download IBG's 16 page report titled Identity Document Security Technologies.