GLOBE EDITORIAL

Real ID, unrealistic law

March 20, 2007

IN 2005, Representative James Sensenbrenner was pushing his Real ID bill that called for all states to issue a super driver's license with security features that would deter terrorists and illegal immigrants. A Republican from Wisconsin, Sensenbrenner seemed to be offering a wallet-sized security blanket.

But creating these super licenses could cost more than $11 billion, according to the Department of Homeland Security, a price the federal government hasn't yet offered to pay, making this an expensive investment with a limited payoff.

Real ID became law in 2005 because it was tacked on to a military appropriations bill. Early this month, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff released proposed regulations for implementing the law.

"It's very simple, and it's really a matter of common sense," Chertoff said with a folksy confidence at a press event. To get a license, people would have to present documents to prove five things: their identity, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and that they reside in this country legally. Then states would have to scan and verify these documents and keep them safe from hackers.

Only, this isn't "very simple." It's a huge job. Motor vehicle bureaus would need more staff, computers, and software, and a world-class security system. Otherwise, states' Real ID data bases could turn into shopping malls for identity thieves. And even with a newly granted extension, states would have to issue Real ID s by 2010. For most, meeting that deadline isn't logistically possible.

In response, lawmakers are rebelling. In January, Maine's Legislature approved a joint resolution saying the state "refuses to implement the Real ID Act." The Idaho Legislature has taken a similar step. A bill filed in Massachusetts by state Senator Richard Moore would block Real ID in this state. The National Governors Association has also objected, saying states need a more realistic plan that includes more time, funding, and room to experiment.

And in Congress, Senators Daniel Akaka, a Hawaii Democrat, and John Sununu, a New Hampshire Republican, have filed a bill that would repeal Real ID and replace it with a more flexible approach to enhance the security of driver's licenses. This bill has been praised by the American Civil Liberties Union, which has branded Real ID a "real nightmare" that would invade people's privacy while smothering them in red tape.

Another concern is how much security Real IDs can add. People could potentially use forged papers to get Real IDs. And in some cases, knowing who people are gives no warning about the harm they may do.

Greater safety is imperative. But given its flaws, the Real ID law should be scrapped. The country needs to invest more thought, time, debate, and money into how best to upgrade driver's licenses.

© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.

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