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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) According to Sen. John Thune, the Department of Homeland security has awarded $600,000 to the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles to help implement provisions of the REAL ID Act and improve the driver's license issuance process.

REAL ID, which became law in 2005, becomes effective for all states on Dec. 31, 2009.

Thune says it is aimed at improving the security of state-issued identification cards in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation.

He says the federal law mandates that state-issued ID cards such as driver's licenses meet minimum standards of information provided, security features, proof of citizenship, verification of application documents and security standards for license issuers.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-29-08 0530CST | save this article / add to your favorites list