Clerk Explains Why County Quit Issuing ID Cards

CREST HAVEN – Persons in need of an official government-issued identification card are being directed by the Cape May County Clerk to the state Motor Vehicle Commission office in Rio Grande.
County Clerk Rita Fulginiti spoke to freeholders Sept. 10 about her decision not to issue county identification cards after Dec. 31, 2009. A question arose about non-availability of those county ID cards at the Sept. 5 “Putting a Face on Addiction” seminar, hosted by Freeholder Kristine Gabor in the administration building. Without an official ID, the speaker stated, her daughter was ineligible for many services in her battle with drug addiction.
“This week, many of us in the governing body are revisiting the issue of Cape May County official ID cards,” said Fulginiti. “They served a lot of residents well. It was a wonderful ID for minors and seniors and for many folks who don’t drive.”
She recalled one of her “fondest memories” of issuing such cards was to a 106-year-old woman in a wheelchair who needed an ID card for her first flight to Florida. “It was a delightful day and she was a delightful woman,” said the clerk.
“Fast forward to Sept. 11, 2001, events of that day changed our world,” she continued.
As a result of the Real ID Act of 2005, which took effect that year, but did not become fully implemented until Jan. 1, 2010, “It was my option as county clerk to issue these cards, but with a totally changed procedure regarding the security background check,” Fulginiti continued.
That would not have been possible, she continued, because her staff is not equipped with law-enforcement training to perform background checks.
The Real ID law set forth new requirements for ID to be accepted by the federal government for “official purposes” which, by definition of the Secretary of Homeland Security includes boarding commercial planes and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants.
Had the county opted to continue issuing cards, they would have had the disclaimer, “Not for Official Use.” In Fulginiti’s opinion, such would have degraded the value of the card, since it would not have been accepted to fly on commercial planes or enter federal buildings.
“Furthermore, I felt it is in our citizens’ best interests to direct them to other forms of ID which would serve them better,” she said.
A state law allows persons, over age 14, to get a non-driver’s ID at Motor Vehicle Commission offices.
Fulginiti recalled one 15-year-old who was going on the school’s senior trip, which included a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, which requires official federal ID. Because there was no state ID, the student had to secure a passport in order to enter the NYSE.
That would not happen with a state issued ID card, Fulginiti told the board.
Fulginiti said her office staff will assist those who need help getting the required six forms of identification needed to get such an ID. Even those who have lost their driving privileges can secure a non-driver’s ID card that will allow flights and entry to federal buildings.
Cost of the state IDs is $24, persons with a disability can secure a card for $6, according to the state MVC website, compared to the former county ID cost of $10 or $3 for senior citizens.
“It is still a good deal. It serves them well,” Fulginiti said.
She acknowledged getting the required six points is a “hurdle” for some. “It’s not like it was before. I am aware of it and sympathetic to it. By staying the course we are doing the best for our citizens instead of putting the county ID card back in place without addressing all the issues we would have to,” Fulginiti said.
The clerk said she would “reach out to the woman who posed the question (at the seminar) and reassure them the clerk’s office will help them.”
Places to acquire an ID card:
N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission office, 1500 Route 47 South, Rio Grande
U.S. Passport Book and-or U.S. Passport Card (any age) apply at the County Clerk’s Office, 7 N. Main St., Court House.