Helping you understand how the decisions of our government directly impact your lives is just one of my many responsibilities as your state senator. Recently, my office has received numerous calls and emails from citizens, who have questions about the REAL ID Act. This week’s column contains some clear and concise information on the REAL ID Act to help you more fully understand where we are on this important issue and where we’re headed.
In the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. In response to the commission’s recommendation, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. Citing privacy concerns, many states, including Missouri, chose not to comply with the law. Then, in 2009, the Missouri General Assembly passed a law that banned compliance with the REAL ID Act.
As of Jan. 10, 2016, our state-issued licenses are no longer considered a valid form of identification for accessing military bases and some federal facilities, although you may continue to use your Missouri driver’s license to enter the federal courthouse at this time. Missouri licenses are still considered valid at Fort Leonard Wood, as long as you have a second form of identification, such as a U.S. Passport, Social Security Card, certified copy of a birth certificate, etc. For more information on Fort Leonard Wood’s policy, please click here. As Whiteman Air Force Base already conducts background checks on everyone and does not use any state identification as the “sole source” of verification of identity, there are no issues with Missouri’s ruling to not comply with REAL ID.
One of the main concerns being voiced at this time pertains to the ability of citizens with noncompliant driver’s licenses to board domestic flights. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that passengers with noncompliant state-issued driver’s licenses will be able to continue using their current licenses to board domestic flights until Jan. 22, 2018.
Missouri lawmakers have already introduced several measures this session aimed at addressing REAL ID. As we go forward in search of a legislative solution to the REAL ID Act, I want to assure you that protecting your right to privacy, as a citizen of this country, continues to be our number one concern.