Missouri lawmakers consider Real ID changes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers are considering changes to state IDs as federal officials warn the state's drivers' licenses won't be acceptable at some federal buildings and eventually for traveling on airplanes.

Sen. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City, introduced a bill Wednesday that would repeal a state law prohibiting Missouri from complying with the federal Real ID Act. Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, introduced a bill Monday with similar provisions.

President George W. Bush signed the Real ID Act after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks raised questions about fraudulent drivers' licenses. Real ID requires states to retain copies of documents proving individuals' identities, such as birth certificates, as well as applicants' license photos.

Under Silvey's bill, Missouri residents could choose between a driver's license that meets Real ID requirements and one that does not. Kelley's legislation still would prevent the state from issuing Real ID-compliant drivers' licenses, but residents could also apply for an identification card that meets federal standards.

Missouri is one of four states that don't comply with Real ID and for whom federal waivers have not been extended. That means Missouri licenses can't be used as identification at certain federal facilities, and the Department of Homeland Security has warned they will not be accepted for airline travel by January 2018.

Gov. Jay Nixon, citing privacy concerns, signed a law In 2009 that barred the Missouri Department of Revenue from complying with Real ID. He now says that law should change.

In order to meet a deadline in two years, the Department of Revenue would probably need to begin working on Real ID compliance during this legislative session, said John Mollenkamp, the department's deputy director.

Mollenkamp and Nia Ray, the Department of Revenue's director, testified Wednesday about Real ID to the House Committee on Emerging Issues. Rep. Elijah Haahr, the Republican from Springfield who chairs the committee, said he'll sit down with House Speaker Todd Richardson to discuss whether to bring Kelley's bill or a different Real ID fix before the committee.