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Uncertainty over Real ID worries state officials

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By Mike Riopell | Saturday, January 27, 2007 |

SPRINGFIELD — If millions of Illinoisans are to get new, federally standardized driver’s licenses in just more than a year, state officials say budgeting for the changes must start soon.

But it can’t.

Although some details could change, every American will have to carry a standardized federal identification card in order to fly on airplanes or enter federal buildings as of May 11, 2008. That means state offices would have to update millions of driver’s licenses by then.

“That would be awfully difficult, I might add,” said secretary of state spokesman Dave Druker.

He said state officials can’t get started because some details are sketchy. They don’t know what exactly the card would have to look like or if everyone would need them immediately.

Department of Homeland Security spokesman Jarrod Agen said the regulations are under final review and would be released in the “near future.” Whether that meant weeks or months was unclear, he said.

Congress passed the Real ID act in 2005, and uncertainty has faced states since. Agen said that, technically, the federal government can’t force the states to comply. But if they don’t, residents could be in a tough spot if they couldn’t get on planes.

David Quam, a spokesman for the National Governors Association, said the concerns from states might compel Congress and its new leadership to review the ID plan delaying the deadline or changing it completely.

But U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, said Friday that he hadn’t heard of any congressional efforts to change the act.

While the deadline is looming for states, so is the cost to implement it. About $40 million in federal money is available for all 50 states. But the cost burden could likely fall to states.

The budget state lawmakers will debate this spring is the first that would include major spending for the ID program, Druker said. Illinois has already implemented some necessary technology, including using digital photography for license pictures.

But bigger undertakings, such as requiring the millions of Illinois license holders to renew their license before 2008, could pose problems.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.