October 17, 2010
Wyoming is on track with REAL ID Act
By Michelle Dynes

CHEYENNE -- Wyoming is on track with Real ID compliance.

But there remains some confusion about the federal law's requirements to strengthen security. There is no truth to Internet rumors that state driver's licenses now contain a tracking chip that can be deactivated in the microwave, said Tom Loftin.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation support services manager gave an update on the progress to members of the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee on Monday. He said the main change is that hospital birth certificates can no longer be used over certified birth certificates when applying for a Wyoming driver's license or identification card.

The switch makes it easier to prevent fraud, especially when hospital records are notorious for inaccuracies from misspelled names to wrong birth dates. He added that it won't improve identification if searches indicate nonexistence or lead to another individual.

Evidence of lawful status is another requirement to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. But Wyoming has had the same requirement since the 1980s, Loftin said. He added that it's only become an issue for states that had previously issued cards to undocumented aliens.

Another REAL ID requirement is to get a photograph of applicants even if a card isn't issued. A photograph is taken when applicants first present their documentation to prevent bottlenecks in the line, he said. The image is then matched up with individuals as they are called forward to take the picture that will appear on the card.

Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, asked what information he needs to show up with the next time he renews his driver's license.

Loftin said the state lawmaker can expect the same requirements as before. He may be asked to dig out a birth certificate and documentation with his social security number. He also may need to bring something that verifies his address, which could be as simple as using the old driver's license.

"You will be told ahead of time," Loftin added. "In Wyoming, we intend to make this the least intrusive we can."

Individuals who are applying for their first Wyoming driver's license must meet the updated requirements now while the rest of state residents are expected to be phased-in by 2017.


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