The New Hampshire House voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reject the federal Real ID Act as amounting to the creation of a national ID card.

The House voted 268-8 to send the bill to the Senate. The legislation would bar the state from complying with a federal act that sets standards for driver's licenses.

Gov. John Lynch has said he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Supporters of the ban said New Hampshire needs to send a clear statement that the federal government strayed too far.

"It is probably the worst piece of blackmail to come out of the federal government. This is pure, unadulterated blackmail," said. Rep. Sherman Packard, a Republican from Londonderry.

Last year, New Hampshire led the way in opposing the law - a move now being considered by other states.

"If we are the first state to opt out, so be it," Packard said.

President Bush recently bowed to pressure from the nation's governors and Congress and granted states until Dec. 31, 2009, to comply. Two years ago, Congress set a deadline for states to comply with uniform licensing standards by May 2008.

The law passed in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It requires all states to bring their driver's licenses under a national standard and to link their record-keeping systems.

States must verify identification used to obtain a driver's license, such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers and passports.

Driver's licenses not meeting the standard won't be accepted as identification to board a plane and enter federal buildings.

Critics complain that the law is too intrusive and is costly for states to implement. They also say creating a national database of drivers' information will be a target for thieves looking to steal identities.

In January, Maine lawmakers adopted a nonbinding resolution opposing the law.

Rep. Neal Kurk, a Republican from Weare and the prime sponsor of New Hampshire's bill, says 26 states have either legislation or resolutions in the works opposing Real ID. He said 11 have legislation facilitating compliance - some of which also have measures opposing the act.

Last year, New Hampshire's House voted against participating. Lynch said he would sign the bill, but the Senate rejected it. New Hampshire also was one of two states picked to pilot the program, but Lynch and the Executive Council did not approve the $3 million grant.

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