Homeland Security officials are pushing states to adopt stricter driver’s license standards to end a standoff that could disrupt domestic air travel.
States have less than a month to send a letter to the Homeland Security Department seeking an extension to comply with the Real ID law passed following the 2001 terror attacks. Some states have resisted, saying it is costly, impractical and an invasion of privacy.
New Hampshire hasn’t complied, but the state hasn’t formally asked for an extension. Legislators passed a law last year prohibiting the state from participating in the Real ID program. Governor John Lynch wrote Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff last week asking him not to impose the requirements on New Hampshire citizens.
If states do not seek an extension by March 31st, their residents will be subjected to secondary screening by security workers before boarding any domestic flight beginning May 11th.