Top Louisiana officials are sounding the alarm after the City of New Orleans unveiled the ‘Crescent City ID Program’ on July 28.

“The obvious question is - what is the real motive or need for these cards. It’s not hard to get to get a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana ID, so I can’t see why this is a reasonable or necessary expenditure of taxpayer funds. The State is the official issuing authority for state recognized government identification. I also have concerns that this City ID could also be used as means of concealing a person’s real identity and avoiding active criminal warrants. Any New Orleans ID does NOT confer or infer legal immigration status or driving privileges. I’ve reached out to the Secretary of State to discuss their use in voting.” – Attorney General Liz Murrill

"This is the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen. The City of New Orleans is under the State of Louisiana. It is not its own country." – Governor Jeff Landry 

“While local identification programs such as the Crescent City ID may serve a purpose within municipal boundaries, it is important for the public to understand that these forms of identification are not recognized by the State of Louisiana for any official state business. We strongly encourage all residents to utilize the resources provided by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to secure proper identification that is recognized statewide.” - Colonel Robert P. Hodges, Louisiana State Police Superintendent

“The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is the sole agency responsible for issuing official Louisiana driver’s licenses (DL) and identification cards (ID). Residents who are interested in obtaining an official state issued DL or ID can visit www.expresslane.org to find out what documents are needed.” - Principal Assistant of the Department of Public Safety Services, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Bryan J. Adams