After publicly joining the governors of several other states in a clear disapproval of the REAL ID act of 2005, Washington governor Christine Gregoire has voiced support for a new state ID program that would replace the state’s requirements for the REAL ID card.
The card, which would take effect in early 2008, would allow holders to pass freely and easily between Washington and British Columbia, Canada (the state’s northern neighbor) easily and without a passport. In a meeting with the Bellingham city club, Gregoire stated that she thinks the new ID cards will be a successful alternative to the current REAL ID requirements.
Proponents of the card claim that it is a safer alternative to the REAL ID proposed measures, which have faced bitter opposition from private and public groups, while still serving as a viable proof of citizenship which would allow residents of Washington State to travel freely between the US and Canada. Washington’s proposed program, called the "Passport Card," would be a state ID card or drivers license equipped with security features (most likely a combination of several including a hologram and possible smart card technology) that could be scanned at the US-Canada border crossing using a special ID card reader. Only residents of Washington State would be able to receive these cards, but if the project is successful, other northern US states could adopt similar policies.
Washington residents will be issued the cards beginning January 2008.
Read more about Gregoire’s meeting at the Bellingham Herald
