House Approves Electronic ID Cards

chrisaj5 writes "ZDNet News reports that the Real ID Act of 2005 has been passed by the House, by a 251-161 margin. It stipulates that driver's licenses must include a digital photograph, anticounterfeiting features and undefined machine-readable technology." From the article: "Another portion of the bill says that states would be required to link their DMV databases if they wished to receive federal funds. Among the information that must be shared: All data fields printed on drivers' licenses and identification cards, and complete drivers' histories, including motor vehicle violations, suspensions and points on licenses."

Comments

Re:Yet another repugnant violation of states' righ

[AKnightCowboy]

But it's quite another to coerce the states into passing laws they don't want to pass, or that are contrary to their state constitutions, in order to receive highway funds.

Nobody has to accept highway funds from the federal government. I don't understand what the big deal is anyway as I personally would rather see state driver's licenses done away with completely and just go to a national ID system that would double as your driver's license. There's no reason every citizen shouldn't have an identification card issued by the federal government.

It could make thing so much easier and help to reduce identity theft if implemented properly. I imagine other countries have done this already without major fanfare. Besides, a strong national ID card could double as a taxpayer ID card and let you file taxes online without having to go out and buy third-party software. Go to an IRS website, use your national smart card to authenticate yourself and enter your tax information online.