Background

On May 11, 2005, President Bush signed the Real ID Act into law. The Real ID Act mandates that three years after enactment (May 2008), a state driver's license or ID card cannot be used for any federal purpose unless it meets the specific federal requirements. For example, non-compliant driver's licenses or state issued ID cards cannot be used for identification to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or to access any federal facility. In anticipation of the 2008 compliance deadline, it is our hope to begin issuing a compliant license sometime in 2007.

Before issuing a Real ID driver's license or ID card, applicants must supply the following and the authenticity of each document must be verified with the issuing agency.

The federal provisions require:

• Proof of identity. A photo identity document. (A non-photo identity document may be acceptable if it includes both the person’s full legal name and date of birth.) Applicants will also have to provide documentation showing their date of birth.
• Social Security number. Proof of the person's social security account number or verification that the person is not eligible for a social security account number.
• Proof of Michigan residency. Documentation showing the person’s name and address of principal residence.
• Legal presence. Documentation establishing citizenship or legal status. (For most Michigan residents, this will be a birth certificate.)

KEY POINTS:

• We support overall concept of ensuring homeland security and making it tougher for terrorists.
• There are still many unknowns. When the Department of Homeland Security publishes rules and regulations, more detailed information will be provided regarding specific requirements and implementation timelines.
• What we know so far:
  • Michigan law changes will be necessary.
  • Verification of SSNs and possibly source identification documents will be required.
  • No foreign documents other than passports will be accepted.
  • Proof of lawful presence will be required for all applicants.

Rev. September 29, 2005