Kath wrote:GrumpyCatFace wrote:Lemme guess. REAL ID is micro-chipped.
What is stored on that black strip, anyway? (I don't have a chip, just the strip.)
The black stripe is the magnetic strip, like the one on your credit card or bank card.
I don't know for sure without a mag-strip scanner, but I do know my Illinois license has the license number stored in the barcode, from scanning it with a phone barcode reader app. I imagine the stripe has that and maybe the rest of the info on the front of the card, like your name and address and such?
Also, chips are hella more secure than the stripes, data can't be read from the chip (these
smart chips are read-only, btw) without opening the passport, and if you're truly paranoid you can make a faraday cage pocket in your wallet out of tinfoil or something.
EDIT: Okay, from the
wikipedia article, it looks like chips aren't a part of the requirements:
Said cards must also feature specific security features intended to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes. These cards must also present data in a common, machine-readable format (bar codes, smart card technology, etc.). Although the use of wireless RFID chips was offered for consideration in the proposed rulemaking process, it was not included in the latest rulemaking process.[26] DHS could consider additional technological requirements to be incorporated into the licenses after consulting with the states. In addition, DHS has required the use of RFID chips in its Enhanced Driver's License program, which the Department is proposing as an alternative to REAL ID.[27]
Also, I think RFID is a different thing from the smart chips in the passports, my bad.
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