GAO exposes flaws in US fake document detection

The US Government Accontability Office (GAO) has exposed holes in national security by using fake documents to fraudulently obtain driver’s licenses.

Investigators from the GAO used counterfeit out-of-state driver’s licenses and birth certificates to obtain legitimate driver’s licenses in three states. The investigation reveals flaws in a verification process the US tried to tighten in the wake of 9/11.

Since 9/11, when terrorists used fraudulent licenses, many more states have begun verifying Social Security Numbers before issuing documents. All US states now have this security step.

However, there are still gaps in security. Concerns about incomplete data are holding back the use of a system for verifying data of birth, a requirement under a 2005 Act that comes into force next year. Failure to implement the system allowed the GAO to fraudulently obtain licenses.

The other hole in security exposed by the GAO relates to cross-state fraud. A lack of a system to detect cross-state fraud means someone can use an identity they stole in one state to get a driving license in another. It might take until 2023 to fix the system, the GAO warns.

The GAO's report to Congress is available here.