FAQ

2. Isn't this a threat to privacy?

No. It simply would allow states to know that those they are licensing are who they say they are and that they are in this country lawfully. A secure driver's license would, in fact, crack down on privacy threats by making identity theft more difficult. As thousands of Americans have learned, the worst threat to one's privacy is someone passing himself off as another to steal personal and financial data.

3. What are biometrics?

The Coalition believes that biometric identifiers are a key to a secure driver's license. This can come in the form of simple facial scan, otherwise known as a digital photograph. Many states already use tamper proof biometric photographs, which are also used on all American passports. They help ensure that lost or stolen licenses cannot be used by anyone else (this also would crack down on underage drinking).

4. What should the federal government do?

America is only as secure as its weakest link. A weak Illinois or New Mexico license in the hands of a terrorist is as dangerous to New Yorkers or Washingtonians as it is to residents of Chicago or Albuquerque.  In the 9/11 operation, al-Qaeda used Virginia and Florida licenses to board planes in Boston and Newark.

Consequently, the Coalition believes that the best way to accomplish the goal of secure identity documents is through national standards for driver's licenses - uniform identification requirements applicants would have to meet before being licensed in any state. Individual states would continue to license their drivers, but they should meet those national standards.

The 9/11 Commission recommended this in its report to Congress, as has former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

5. What about individual states?

Several states, including Florida and Virginia, tightened their driver's licensing requirements shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Other states have inexplicably made theirs more lax. Every state legislature in America has a responsibility to take measures to keep licenses out of the hands of terrorists. However, until all 50 states begin issuing secure driver's licenses, every state remains at risk.