Real ID will cause real big mess
February 17, 2008 - 6:25PM


Complying with the demands of the federal Real ID Act

POINTS OF DEBATE
This national ID card evokes shades of Big Brother; it will be a burden to law-abiding motorists

THE STAR’S VIEW
The Real ID Act will place unnecessary burdens on
law-abiding residents; it should be repealed

Later this year, the state of North Carolina will begin complying with federal government demands by doing its part to participate in a national identification card system.

It is scheduled to occur in December, when the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles will begin following the requirements of the federal Real ID Act.

To us, this national ID card evokes shades of Big Brother. It’s unnecessary. It’ll be a burden to law-abiding motorists. And at worst, it is ripe for abuse and fraud.

The Department of Homeland Security argues that Real ID doesn’t amount to a national identity card. The feds argue they aren’t collecting the data on American motorists, nor are they maintaining the database.

This merely shows that the folks at Homeland Security don’t understand the concept of something being six one way and a half-dozen the other.

No, they aren’t issuing the card. The states are doing it for the feds. And, no, the data won’t be kept in Washington. Instead, it’ll be stored in computers in 50 state capitals across the country.

The sharing of information in the databases puts Americans at an unnecessary risk for those who would misuse the information contained there.

The American Civil Liberties Union even goes as far as to say that having all of the information accessible to a sinister person would put driver’s license holders more at risk for identity fraud.

Supporters say the Real ID Act is a necessary measure in an age of terrorism. Others believe that having such requirements for a driver’s license will cut down on illegal immigration.

We question whether it will do either.

Terrorists will know the rules. And, in the past, they have demonstrated the ability for great patience in planning and carrying out their horror.

As far as immigration is concerned, we believe it is an issue that needs to be resolved by Congress. Thus far, Washington has failed to have the courage to deal with the situation.

And not having a license doesn’t necessarily mean those who are in this country illegally will go away, or even stay off the roads.

What the Real ID Act will do is place unnecessary burdens on law-abiding residents. Over the next few years, as motorists trek to the DMV to renew their licenses, they have to prove their identity all over again.

They may have to tread through bureaucracy to get documents, such as a certified copy of their birth certificate, to satisfy the DMV. They’ll have to take copies of deeds or utility bills to the DMV to prove their residence. And they’ll have to wait for up to 20 days for their driver’s license to come in the mail.

For many, that won’t be enough. They may have to make a trip to the Social Security office to get information straightened out so it will match with DMV records.

The ACLU says Real ID will become a real nightmare. We think it will prove to be a real hassle.

Congress should repeal this act.

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