What does the boiling process do to identification cards when taking the card apart?

Question

i have seen on ehow.com that to split an id card you have to boil it at some point

im looking to do only some steps of the process and im wondering what the boiling process does to the card?

"Boil the card in water for 20-30 minutes, or as needed"

Answer 1

Boiling will break down the glue that holds the plastic laminate onto the id.