New York State Enhances Driver’s Licenses to Comply with REAL ID Act
In an effort to comply with the federal REAL ID Act, New York State has begun issuing enhanced driver’s licenses to its residents. The enhanced licenses, which are marked with a small American flag in the upper right corner, contain additional security features and can be used for domestic air travel and to enter federal facilities where identification is required.
The REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act was designed to prevent terrorists from obtaining fraudulent identification documents and to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification cards.
New York State initially resisted implementing the REAL ID Act, citing concerns about privacy and the costs associated with upgrading its license issuance process. However, in 2017, the state began issuing enhanced driver’s licenses in response to pressure from the federal government.
To obtain an enhanced driver’s license, applicants must provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship, as well as a Social Security number. They must also submit to a background check and have their photo taken. The cost of an enhanced driver’s license is $30 more than a standard driver’s license.
The enhanced driver’s license looks similar to a standard driver’s license, but it contains additional security features that make it much more difficult to counterfeit. For example, the enhanced license has a unique serial number that can be verified by law enforcement officers and border patrol agents. It also includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores the holder’s personal information.
One of the main benefits of the enhanced driver’s license is that it can be used for domestic air travel. Starting in October 2020, all travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as an enhanced driver’s license, when boarding a domestic flight. This requirement is intended to enhance airport security and reduce the risk of terrorists boarding commercial flights.
In addition to domestic air travel, the enhanced driver’s license can be used to enter federal facilities where identification is required, such as military bases and nuclear power plants. This is a significant advantage for New York State residents who frequently visit these types of facilities for work or leisure.
Despite the benefits of the enhanced driver’s license, some privacy advocates have raised concerns about the collection of sensitive personal information and the use of RFID technology. They argue that the enhanced license could be vulnerable to hacking and that the government could use the data stored on the RFID chip to track individuals’ movements.
In response to these concerns, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has implemented strict security measures to protect the personal information of enhanced license holders. For example, the RFID chip is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, and the DMV has implemented strict access controls to limit who can view the data stored on the chip.
Overall, the introduction of the enhanced driver’s license in New York State represents a significant step forward in enhancing the security and reliability of state-issued identification cards. By complying with the REAL ID Act, New York State residents can now enjoy the convenience of using their driver’s license for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities, while also benefiting from improved security features that protect their personal information.
