The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a final rule establishing minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards. The rule sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of drivers’ licenses and identification cards, strengthen issuance capabilities, and increase security at drivers’ license and identification card production facilities. The final rule also dramatically reduces state implementation costs by roughly 73 percent.

In March 2007 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed a new Real ID plan aiming to increase security and prevent fraud. Now Homeland Security plans to take the next step in getting its controversial Real ID plan off the ground, despite opposition. The press conference discussing Real ID is scheduled this afternoon.