Yes. THE MANDATE APPLIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA. DIRT is investigating Pennsylvania's reported opposition to the mandate by the U.S. Department of Transportation to have all states develop a standardized driver's license/national identity card by Oct. 1, 2000. The national identification system has been authorized by federal legislation: the Congressional Immigration Reform Act of 1996. QUESTIONS: Have PA state legislators passed legislation authorizing the placement of social security numbers on driver's license? Who and When? Will Pennsylvania be fined by the federal agency if PennDOT doesn't comply? Will Governor Tom Ridge stand with or against PennDOT?
DIRT wants to know whether Pennsylvania will truly NOT comply with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation requirement to have social security numbers displayed on state driver's licenses by October, 2000. DIRT has learned from area individuals who have recently renewed licenses that they are asked for their social security number prior to having the license photograph taken. One "protester" refused to open his eyes during the photographing process. The machine operators took thirty-some exposures to ensure one with "open eyes." We need to open our eyes! DIRT wants your experience with renewing driver's license or obtaining a new license in the state of Pennsylvania. More information follows about what Pennsylvania currently requires on driver's license cards. Make your voice heard.