In response to acts of terrorism committed against the United States, and in an effort to ensure the safety of citizens, Congress passed the Real ID Act of 2005. This Act modifies federal law pertaining to security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver’s licenses and identification cards, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism and border control.
Beginning December 1st, 2014, a federal agency may not accept for official federal purposes a driver’s license or ID not issued in compliance with the REAL ID Act. To assure Iowans can continue to use their DLs and ID cards for federal official purposes, the Iowa Department of Transportation will begin issuing cards with the compliant marking star beginning January 15th, 2013.
States remain free to also issue non-complying DL and IDs, so long as they can be clearly distinguished from a REAL ID-compliant card. The State of Iowa has elected to issue both REAL ID-compliant and non-complying DL and ID cards. Therefore, current DL and ID card holders may choose whether to obtain a REAL ID-marked card while new successful applicants will automatically receive one as they are already required to present documents required for REAL ID and ID card verification.
Guthrie County Drivers License Deputy Kim Christiansen, along with the staff assisting in issuing drivers licenses, recently went to a training seminar to get a better understanding on what forms are needed to obtain a REAL ID and ID cards and where they will be needed.
Christiansen wants to reassure the public that the REAL ID Act does not establish a national database of driver and identification information. Christiansen also wants to dispel the untrue myth that the REAL ID-marked DL and ID cards contain an electronic chip that allows movements of individuals to be tracked. There is no such chip/device in cards issued by the State of Iowa. Iowa’s DLs and ID cards do have the required bar code printed on the back that requires manual scanning and only conveys the information appearing on the face of the DL or ID card, without the photo.
For more information, Christiansen suggests the public visit the Iowa DOT website or you can contact her at the Guthrie County Treasurer Office at 641-747-3414.