In 2005, Congress approved a bill calling for emergency funds to aid in tsunami relief efforts. Unfortunately, tacked onto the bill was what is called the Real ID Act. This sets federal standards for driver's licenses that states are mandated to comply with by December 2009.
These cards would create huge new risks for identity fraud.
One of the requirements of the act is for DMVs to store digital images of several documents containing information on birth, Social Security numbers and other personal data. This information could be stolen from DMV databases.
The same information is required to be stored digitally on the card, which can be scanned at bars or other locations that require ID.
Criminals could also easily obtain the information themselves with readily available scanners.
In addition to these risks, the new act will also place a hefty burden on taxpayers.
To avoid these risks and costs, it is important that Florida citizens pressure their lawmakers to join other states, including Georgia, Oklahoma and Washington, in refusing to implement these changes.
