On December 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
determined that just 13 states have met the standards required by the
REAL ID Act. DHS is granting a temporary deferment for all other states
and territories. The states that met the requirement include Colorado,
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, South
Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These states
were commended by DHS for the substantial progress they have made in
working to improve security for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID
cards since September 11, 2001.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and sets standards for
the issuance of sources of identification. The Act establishes minimum
security standards for states in the issuance and production of sources
of identification. Starting January 15, 2013, the states who have not
yet met the standards of the Act will receive a temporary deferment so
that federal agencies can continue to accept their identification cards
as proof of identity.
