State-issued driver’s licenses primarily serve as proof of driving privileges within that state. They contain personally identifiable information, including name, date of birth, address, and a photograph, which can be used for various identification purposes. However, they are not designed to meet the stringent standards established for federal identification documents.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states not meeting these standards for certain activities. These activities include accessing federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. This disparity in standards exists to enhance national security and prevent identity fraud. Non-compliant licenses are often marked with language indicating their unsuitability for federal purposes, creating a tiered system of identification. This tiered system helps ensure a higher level of security and reliability for federal identification purposes.
