Should NH join Real ID?

As early as 2016, a New Hampshire driver’s license may not be adequate identification to board a plane – if the federal government chooses to enforce provisions of the REAL ID program.

The REAL ID program requires a driver to present documents such as a birth certificate and social security card in order to receive a license.  Some information from those documents is shared with other states, as part of an effort to combat ID fraud and terrorism. 

REAL ID licenses are required to enter federal facilities and nuclear power plants.  Eventually REAL ID licenses will also be required to board an airplane, although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that will happen “no sooner” than 2016.

New Hampshire drivers’ licenses do not meet REAL ID requirements.  Supporters of a REAL ID program in New Hampshire argue that once DHS requires REAL ID at airports, New Hampshire residents will have to pay for a passport to board an airplane.

REAL ID opponents counter that the program is an example of federal government overreach that will increase costs for the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Last spring the New Hampshire Senate considered a bill that would allow New Hampshire drivers to choose a REAL ID-compliant license.  The Senate reported, “this legislation violates our citizens’ privacy when there is not an imminent mandate in place to implement ‘Real ID’ standards.”