Congress Passes Real ID Act; Bush Expected to Sign

The Senate passed the Real ID Act yesterday as it was attached to an 82 billion dollar emergency war funding measure.  The Act sets requirements for an identity card which would be used to enter airports, train stations, federal buildings, and it would also set standards for verification of identity when getting drivers licenses.  Citizens will now have to use authentic copies of birth certificates, utility bills, and other identity-confirming documentation to establish who they are to get this card or a drivers license.  The Secretary for Homeland Security will also have discretion in setting standards for the cards, whether in obtaining or using them.

c|net report of the bill | A FAQ on the Act prepared by CNET commentator Declan McCullagh |  Washington Post (subscription required) analysis of the Act

No mention whether the identity card in question will be required to check out library books. 

Mark Giangrande, DePaul Law Library