Maine becomes first state to reject Real ID Act

Maine's state legislature became the first in the nation to pass a resolution rejecting the federal Real ID Act of 2005 in a nearly unanimous vote on Jan. 25. Only four members of the House voted in favor of the act, which requires states to issue new state identification cards and drivers licenses that comply with federal standards by 2008, effectively creating a national ID card. The resolution is non-binding but it does urge Congress to repeal the act and expresses the unwillingness of Maine legislators to comply. All 50 states are also required to participate in a shared database that will include personal information from all people carrying Real IDs. Without these IDs citizens will be unable to board a plane, open a bank account or enter a federal building, among other restrictions. The high cost of implementing the program is a significant concern for Maine legislators because the states themselves are responsible for financing the new program, which will require new technology and an increase in Bureau of Motor Vehicle workers. Experts estimate the overall cost for all of the states to implement the program at $11 billion, costing Maine $185 million over the next five years. "The federal government may be willing to burden us with the high costs of a program that will do nothing to make us safer, but it is our job as state legislators to protect the people of Maine from just this sort of dangerous federal mandate," said Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell (D-Augusta), the lead sponsor of the resolution in the Senate. "As a Mainer, I am proud that this state has led the way in taking a stand against Real ID." Many lawmakers are also concerned that the act is a threat to citizens' privacy and security. According to a Senate Majority Office press release, a common concern among lawmakers and privacy advocates is that linking state ID cards and drivers licenses to a national database "will create a goldmine of accessible information for identity thieves." The press release adds that anyone with access to card reading technology has access to the personal information of all card holders. "Maine lawmakers have delivered a clear signal to the Congress that the implications of Real ID are unacceptable," Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said. "Lawmakers in Maine understand that security is a critical priority, but so is privacy, and most importantly, a security system should actually provide security. It is not at all clear that after all the expense and tribulation for citizens that Real ID would present, that we would really be safer." Maine is not the first state to oppose implementation of the Real ID Act. Georgia, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico and Washington have all introduced bills rejecting the act. "Real ID means huge costs, huge bureaucracy, and a huge threat to individual liberties," said Shenna Bellows, Maine Civil Liberties Union Executive Director. "It creates a virtual one-stop shop for identity thieves. Maine did the right thing to oppose this."