Arizona legislators delivered a sharp rebuke Wednesday to federal plans for a uniform standard on state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

On a 51-1 final vote, House lawmakers sent Gov. Janet Napolitano their House Bill 2677, a measure barring the state from participating in the federal Real ID program.

If Napolitano signs the bill, Arizona will become the 10th state to prohibit compliance with the federal program.<!-- BOXAD TABLE --> <!-- END BOX AD TABLE -->

But the legislation's impact is negligible for the time being because Real ID isn't slated to take effect for at least another 18 months.

Congress approved the program in 2005 as part of security recommendations stemming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Real ID calls for states to verify that applicants are legal citizens, and that cards include security features such as a digital photograph and signature.

While backers point to the need for IDs more adept at thwarting fraud and forgery, critics have voiced concerns about hefty costs - to be borne by the states - to develop the IDs.

Some opponents say the central databases needed increase the risk of identity theft and fear Real ID is a step toward a national identification card.

Groups across the political spectrum - from the ACLU to the John Birch Society - have aligned against the federal program.

State compliance is voluntary, but individuals will be required to carry identification that meets Real ID standards to board commercial flights or enter federal buildings. The program's implementation has already been delayed until the end of 2009.

Napolitano spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer said whether the governor will sign the bill is essentially a moot point given the lack of movement regarding the program.

"Real ID doesn't happen without the feds paying for it," L'Ecuyer said. "Real ID isn't going anywhere."