<P> The bill takes place as governments are growing more interested in implanting technology in ID cards to make them smarter and more secure . In 2006, the U.S. State Department studied issuing passports with Radio - frequency identification, or RFID, chips embedded in them . Virginia may become the first state to glue RFID tags into all its driver's licenses . Seventeen states, however, have passed statutes opposing or refusing to implement the Real ID Act . </P> <P> The United States passport verifies both personal identity and citizenship, but is not mandatory for citizens to possess within the country and is issued by the US State Department on a discretionary basis . </P> <P> Since February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens may apply for passport cards, in addition to the usual passport books . Although their main purpose is for land and sea travel within North America, the passport card may also be accepted by federal authorities (such as for domestic air travel or entering federal buildings), which may make it an attractive option for people residing where state driver's licenses and I.D. cards are not REAL ID - compliant, should those requirements go into effect . TSA regulations list the passport card as an acceptable identity document at airport security checkpoints . </P> <P> U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has indicated that the U.S. Passport Card may be used in the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I - 9 (form) process . The passport card is considered a "List A" document that may be presented by newly hired employees during the employment eligibility verification process to show work authorized status . "List A" documents are those used by employees to prove both identity and work authorization when completing the Form I - 9 . </P>

What can be used as proof of identity