NM to get Real ID Act extension

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Department  of Homeland Security says that New Mexico is not in compliance with REAL ID and will receive "temporary deferment."

• REAL ID Act Explainer

DHS officials say 13 states have met the standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005  for driver’s licenses and identification cards and has granted a temporary deferment for all other states and territories.  

Currently, DHS has determined that Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have met the Act’s requirements.

The Department commends these states on the substantial progress in working toward these goals and the improvements in security for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards since 9/11.

Other states have not provided sufficient information, at this time, for DHS to determine if they meet the Act’s requirements. These states will have an opportunity to respond with additional information before DHS makes a final determination. DHS will continue to receive and review state submissions on a rolling basis. 

Beginning January 15, 2013, those states not found to meet the standards will receive a temporary deferment that will allow Federal agencies to continue to accept their licenses and identification cards for boarding commercial aircraft and other official purposes. 

U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement to grant temporary deferment for states not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and work with the states and their stakeholders to develop a schedule for its enforcement:

"I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security has responded to our request for immediate clarity on the REAL ID Act compliance.

"While the announcement should have come some time ago, New Mexicans can now feel confident in going about their business using our drivers' licenses, whether it is for use in holiday travel, entering federal buildings or other activity where proper identification is required.

“The REAL ID Act was an unworkable national policy from the start, which is why I voted against it as a member of the House of Representatives. Now that it’s law, we need to find a way to resolve the issues it presents for good.”