As the federal REAL ID mandate takes effect, State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) today introduced a plan to repeal Michigan’s participation in the program.

“REAL I.D. violates our Constitutional rights,” said DeSana. “It violates the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. By federalizing driver’s licenses, an area historically and constitutionally under state control, REAL ID undermines state sovereignty and individual privacy protections guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment.”

The plan would:

• Repeal Michigan’s compliance with the federal REAL ID Act
• Block state agencies from enforcing or expanding its provisions
• Reassert state control over licensing and identification systems

Starting today, the federal government says that a REAL ID-compliant identification or a passport is required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities is. House Bills 4473 and 4474 were introduced to defend state sovereignty and individual privacy from federal overreach under the REAL ID Act.

The REAL ID Act gives sole authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security to unilaterally expand the definition of “official purposes,” meaning the list of what REAL ID is required for can grow at any time—without Congressional approval. What starts with boarding a plane could easily expand to areas like banking and healthcare. This unchecked power should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation.

The bill also highlights the risk of a centralized digital ID system and rejects proposed enforcement tools like a “three strikes” tracking database as unconstitutional and coercive.

“In addition, a digitalized National I.D. can quickly and easily enable a global ID system, vaccine passports, and social credit system,” said DeSana. “Americans are now subject to a federal law they never asked for and likely don’t understand. Michigan must draw the line and defend the Constitution.”