Floridians Against REAL ID- FAQ

Q. What is the REAL ID Act?

A. The REAL ID Act was a bill in Congress (HR 418) in 2005 that could not pass on it's own. It was hidden within another bill (HR 1268) dealing with Tsunami relief and subsequently passed into law. The act requires States to drastically revise how they issue ID cards and driver licenses. The only ones reaping a benefit here as stated in the act, are those that use these documents as ID for entry into Federal buildings, to board commercial flights, and to enter nuclear power plants.

Q. Can't the Federal government make an ID card for those narrow and specific purposes?

A. Yes. But why should they when they can pass the buck (function) to the States?

Q. Can the Federal government pass a law that makes the States do something that is ordinarily within their powers?

A. No. Read the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. It clearly states that the powers not reserved to the Congress are reserved to the States, or to the people. The issuance of a State ID card or driver license is solely a power given to the State or the people. As with anything though, it is only against the law if you get caught or until someone does something about it. That's where we come in.

Q. How many States have implemented it?

A. As of the first part of 2010, 26 out of 50. See this link at the Real Nightmare website for details, and to see if your state is affected if you are not a Florida resident.

Q. How does this affect me as a Florida resident?

A. You will have to wait in line longer, and more importantly, you will have to provide a certified copy of many personal ID documents which will be scanned into the Division of Driver Licenses (DDL) system and be made accessible to other entities. In 2009, The State of Florida admitted it improperly sold 30 million records with personal ID info on them in violation of Federal law. You may not be able to renew your license if you cannot produce certain documents- such as a divorce decree, birth certificate, etc.

Q. What can I do about it?

A. Contact us. Tell us how REAL ID has affected you. We publish case studies for legislators to show them how this law hurts REAL people. You can remain anonymous or we'll just use your first name and gender (this law hurts women far more often than men). You must also contact your Florida legislators and let them know you want this law repealed.

Frequently asked questions

Floridians Against REAL ID radio interview- The Jim Guest Radio Show on June 13, 2010:

Mark Lerner of the Stop REAL ID Coalition's April 2011 paper on REAL ID and other issues we face in our current times.