Have You Read The DLC's Plan For Smart Driver's Licenses?

The events of September 11 brought new emphasis to two well-known and contradictory facts: The state-issued driver's license is the most used form of identification in the United States, and the system for issuing driver's licenses is deeply flawed. Four of the 5 terrorists who crashed the plane into the Pentagon boarded their flights using false IDs obtained in Virginia. But the ease with which criminals can obtain false driver's licenses has pervasive impacts far beyond terrorism: identity theft, underage drinking and driving, government benefits fraud, insurance fraud by unsafe drivers, and so on.

There are a number of proposals on the table or in various stages of implementation that will help fix the driver's license system. The homeland security strategy offered by the White House calls for harmonization of the procedures and requirements for issuing driver's licenses. An ongoing project spearheaded by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) will link together the databases of all state motor vehicle agencies to prevent criminals from holding more than one license at a time. Several states are experimenting with biometric identifiers, such as encoded thumbprints, to add extra security to the driver's license. As long as widespread agreement exists that the driver's license system must be modernized, it makes sense to get the best "bang" for the taxpayer's dollar by using smart cards -- tiny encrypted computer chips embedded in cards that can securely verify identity as well as hold a number of other applications.

Because each smart card has its own miniature computer encrypting the data, it is impossible for criminals to "crack the code" and compromise the entire system. Smart cards can also enhance privacy by putting sensitive data behind secure firewalls and by placing biometric identifiers into a "database of one" that is carried and controlled by the license holder rather than a government agency. More importantly, with inexpensive readers attached to personal computers, license holders can verify their identity in online transactions and can add new applications -- such as digital cash, credit cards, or electronic keys to their workplace networks -- that will link to their identity and biometric features and make it impossible for criminals to steal them.

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http://www.ndol.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=139&subid=271&contentid=250726

one question I would liked asked, how the hell did they get onto an airplane with boxcutters!!!! I couldn't even get on (before 9/11) because the airport security said my alarm clock looked like a bomb.

you must PHYSICALLY SEARCH the person if you want to find any weapons!!!

'crack the code' how naive to think it's not possible to crack a code...all the more reason for the hackers to prove them wrong, don't you think?

I see this as nothing more than a way for the corporatists to make money off of our tax dollars the extra 'fees' we will have to pay for this technology that isn't going to make us any safer. It's only for filling the pockets of corporations and the DOD will be able to track our every move.
Also from numerous examples of how this administration has infringed on the citizens rights gives them Zero I repeat Zero credibility in doing the right thing if we allow this system to proceed!

<snip>The Driver's License Modernization Act, introduced in 2002 by U.S. Reps. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Tom Davis (R-Va.), would provide significant federal assistance to states seeking to upgrade their driver's licenses to smart cards. In addition to authorizing federal funds to link the state databases together, the bill also authorizes $100 million for grants to help states upgrade their equipment and facilities. To make the transition even easier, the bill allows state governments to work through the General Services Administration, which already has significant experience in smart card procurement for federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of State. Finally, the bill authorizes a $15 million grant program for states that develop innovative uses for smart driver's licenses.</snip>
Nope I want none of this a country that can't even get it together enough to assure all of it's citizens have health care yet it purposes crap like this to take away my privacy and freedoms? No way fugetaboutit!

"I see this as nothing more than a way for the corporatists to make money off of our tax dollars the extra 'fees' we will have to pay for this technology that isn't going to make us any safer. It's only for filling the pockets of corporations and the DOD will be able to track our every move."

I agree 100%

I can see anything good coming from it.


Linking up all of the DMV's is not a bad idea. Especially if they also include provisions to reduce the amount of hassle encountered when registering your car in a new state. They already keep your DL photo on file in many states. They could keep your prints on file as well. Then they could tie airport security in with the database. When they check you DL at the airport, they could check it against the database to make sure it is legit and they could even check your biometrics.

Putting a chip in the card makes me nervous. I can't help but wonder for what else it could be used.

... people who never had a license, or people who had their license taken away for recklessness or DUI. they're endangering us all. they're doing it because it's easy. i'd like to see a "smart driver's license" that would work with a "smart ignition system" in cars to prevent anyone without a license from even starting the car.

why not???

But, the problem is...lots of religious nutballs believe and they can become dangerous when backed into a corner (e.g., abortion bombers/murders).

JB