Air Safety Week :: DHS Increases Funding For REAL ID Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing the total amount of funding available for REAL ID implementation and is extending the deadline for Fiscal Year 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program applications. REAL ID sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of...

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REAL ID sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards, strengthens issuance capabilities, and increases security at drivers' license and identification card production facilities.

DHS is making an additional $48.5 million available to assist states with REAL ID implementation. Previously funded at $31.3 million, the additional grants funding was authorized at the end of last year.

The grants are designed to help U.S. states improve driver's license and identification card issuance capabilities and facilitate collaboration among states in the development of more secure systems that verify an applicant's identity while protecting their personal privacy.

DHS recognizes that states will need more time to apply for the new funding and is extending the REAL ID grant applications deadline until March 7, 2008.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes a minimum standard is needed for stated-issued driver's licenses and ID cards used to board jetliners amidst a heightened state of aviation security.

DHS recently issued a final rule establishing minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards. The rule sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of drivers' licenses and identification cards, strengthen issuance capabilities, and increase security at drivers' license and identification card production facilities

REAL ID addresses document fraud by setting specific requirements that U.S. States must adopt for compliance, to include: (1) information and security features that must be incorporated into each card; (2) proof of the identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status of an applicant; (3) verification of the source documents provided by an applicant; and (4) security standards for the offices that issue licenses and identification cards.

State-issued driver's licenses serve many purposes, including being the primary identifier for individuals attempting to access a Federal facility, board commercial air transports and enter nuclear power plants. DHS says terrorists know this, and actively seek this form of identification.

REAL ID is not a national identification card. U.S. States will continue to issue driver's licenses and identification cards. REAL ID sets minimum standards so that U.S. States, federal agencies, and other public organizations can have confidence in the security and integrity of credentials issued by all other participating U.S. States.

If a U.S. state chooses not to comply with the provisions of the final rule, its driver's licenses and identification cards will no longer be acceptable for official Federal purposes. Individuals of the non-compliant States can still present other forms of acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board federally regulated commercial aircraft and access Federal facilities.

REAL ID does not require any biometrics beyond the photograph and signature already required by U.S. states and does not require Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

DHS Increases Funding For REAL ID Grant Program

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