The National ID Debate

Ever since President George Bush signed the REAL ID Act of 2005, there has been increasing debate over the effectiveness of such an act. States are lining up in a revolt against the notion of a National Driver's License. This could lead to significant problems down the line for citizens.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 calls for a national driver's license to help curb illegal immigrants and terrorism. The national driver's license will include the following elements: full real name, date of birth, gender, ID number, photo, legal residence, signature, physical features, and possibly fingerprints. The Act will also require states to have their record-keeping for drivers license to be linked to a national database. For immigrants, states will require individuals to provide proof that they are in the country legally and are able to provide such documentation needed to prove this.

Many Americans see a national driver's license as a step towards curbing illegal immigrants and to help provide better homeland security. Those that support the Act say since the national driver's license will replace the State issued licenses no civil right will be violated. They also argue that with all the information and possible fingerprints the national driver's license may also help prevent identity theft.