Impact begins for REAL ID Act

SANTA FE — Federal officials announced Wednesday that New Mexico driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted as proof of identity to enter any Department of Defense installation.

But Cannon Air Force Base officials said it won’t be making any immediate changes to policy.

“Currently, the Air Force is reviewing DoD’s informal guidance referring to the Interagency Security Committee REAL ID Act,” a Cannon news release said.

“We’re awaiting final guidance and updating our policies as appropriate, but there will be no changes at this time. However, our installation commander is aware of the situation and may adjust base access requirements to comply with the REAL ID Act as formal guidance is completed.”

Still, the feds’ announcement adds pressure to lawmakers who are set to debate proposals aimed at making the state compliant under the federal REAL ID Act

In a post on its website, the U.S. Department of Defense said driver’s licenses from New Mexico — along with those from Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Washington state — can’t be used to enter bases because of REAL ID requirements.

Those attempting to gain physical access to Department of Defense installations must show an alternate form of identification, like a passport or a card issued by the base, officials said.

The move comes after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined to give New Mexico an extension on complying with tougher rules under the federal REAL ID Act. Those rules require proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver’s licenses and IDs to be valid for some federal purposes.

Sandia Labs, White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, also said this month that they would stop accepting New Mexico IDs.

Kirtland Air Force Base, along with Cannon, said visitors could continue to use a New Mexico driver’s license to enter while officials review the new Department of Defense guidelines.

A New Mexico House committee is scheduled to begin debate today on one of many REAL ID proposals.

GOP House Speaker Don Tripp, R-Socorro, blamed the restrictions on Senate Democrats who have balked at previous Republican proposals aimed at revising a state law that allows immigrants in the country illegally to obtain New Mexico driver’s licenses.

“Our ID isn’t secure, and until we fix it, everyone from contractors, to hunters, and ultimately all citizens who simply want to board an aircraft will be affected,” Gov. Susana Martinez said.

The Department of Homeland Security said holders of non-compliant IDs won’t be able to use them to board commercial flights starting in 2018.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, said he is confident the Senate will pass legislation this session to fix the problem. He urged contractors and workers at bases in New Mexico to contact employers to see if they are affected by the changes.