Although all US driving licences can currently be used in the US as ID for domestic flights, the US's Transportation Security Administration is considering a requirement that only so-called “enhanced” biometric driving licences be permitted in place of passports.An investigative report by Got News this week revealed TSA documents stating that the body will implement a plan to fully endorse the REAL ID Act, which requires the use of enhanced driving licences that feature RFID contactless technology, facial recognition data and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).The Department of Homeland Security's Real ID Act requiring that all US state obtain the cards was passed in 2005 and went into effect last year. The cards can also be used for travel to Canada in place of passports. The cards stores front-facing digital photograph of the passenger's face, which are used for facial recognition at checkpoints.Currently, only Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York have introduced the cards as standard. North Dakota revealed plans last week to join them, and more than 20 states have an extension on implementing the REAL ID law.The issue has thrown a spotlight on how migrants will obtain the enhanced licences.Under a proposal being considered in the Washington state legislature, the Washington Department of Licensing would keep questions of citizenship optional for standard IDs.However, under the REAL ID programme states must ask for proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for state-issued identification that would be acceptable for entry into federal buildingsFor instance, while permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens will not be eligible for Washington's enhanced licenses, they can use federal residency documentation or their passports in situations that would require a federal identification, said Department of Licensing spokesman Brad Benfield.
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