California residents who hold a state-issued ID card may soon find themselves unable to use their card for federal purposes due to its non-compliant status. The federal government has set forth requirements for IDs to be used for official federal purposes, such as boarding planes and entering federal buildings, and California’s current ID card does not meet these standards.
The issue stems from the fact that California has not updated its ID card to comply with the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, in an effort to prevent identity theft and fraud.
While California has complied with the Real ID Act for its driver’s licenses, the state’s ID cards have lagged behind. This has left many California residents who do not drive or do not wish to obtain a driver’s license in a difficult position, as they may soon be unable to use their ID card for certain federal purposes.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has acknowledged the issue and has stated that it is working to bring the state’s ID cards into compliance with the Real ID Act. However, the process has been slow, and it may be some time before California residents are able to obtain a Real ID-compliant ID card. In the meantime, those who hold non-compliant ID cards may face difficulties accessing federal services or facilities that require a Real ID-compliant ID.
The DMV has advised California residents to consider obtaining a passport as an alternative form of identification for federal purposes. While a passport can be used for all federal purposes, including boarding planes and entering federal buildings, it can be more expensive and time-consuming to obtain than a state-issued ID card.
Some California residents have expressed frustration with the situation, noting that they rely on their ID card for everyday activities and may not have the time or resources to obtain a passport. Others have criticized the state government for not moving more quickly to bring California’s ID cards into compliance with the Real ID Act.
In response to these concerns, the California legislature is considering potential solutions to the issue. One proposal is to allow residents to apply for a separate Real ID-compliant ID card, similar to the option already available for driver’s licenses. This would give California residents the option to obtain a Real ID-compliant ID card without having to obtain a passport.
In the meantime, California residents who hold non-compliant ID cards are advised to stay informed about the issue and to consider their options for alternative forms of identification. The DMV will continue to provide updates on the status of the state’s ID cards and any potential solutions to the problem.
Overall, the issue of federal non-compliant ID cards in California highlights the complexities of ensuring that state-issued IDs meet federal standards. While the state government is working to address the issue, it may be some time before a solution is implemented. In the meantime, California residents may need to consider alternative forms of identification for federal purposes.
