No change to the motoring publicValverde emphasized that California DMV will continue to issue driver licenses and identification cards under normal business practices. For example, customers can exercise the same renewal options, including online and mail. Driver licenses and identification cards will continue to be honored for boarding commercial aircraft and gaining entry into federal buildings, according to DHS.California DMV is universally recognized as a national leader in secure, centralized driver license production, including legal presence and social security verification of identity documents. “California business practices have been consistent with the major objective of REAL ID – one driver, one record,” Valverde said.May 11, 2008 is the effective date under the REAL ID Act by which states must begin issuing driver licenses and identification cards using minimum standards called for in the Act. With the extension, no changes to California licenses are expected in 2008.
California responds to final REAL ID Act regulations
January 16, 2008
Santa Paula News
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced on Friday that the final regulations to the federal REAL ID Act have been released by the Department of Homeland Security.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced on Friday that the final regulations to the federal REAL ID Act have been released by the Department of Homeland Security. The Act, which sets minimum standards for U.S. driver licenses, is scheduled to take effect May 11, 2008.“The Department of Homeland Security recognized that there were issues and procedures of importance to California and the rest of the states when they finalized the regulations,” said DMV Director George Valverde. “The regulations will provide for consistent issuance standards that further strengthen the security of our driver licenses and identification cards.”As provided in the regulations, states can apply for and be granted an extension by DHS through 2009, which California has done. “Filing the extension allows California time to work with DHS on privacy and funding issues, which continue to be a concern for California,” said Valverde.The Department of Homeland Security in its final rulemaking lowered the estimated cost of REAL ID nationally from $14.6 billion to $3.9 billion. “While we are encouraged the Department has lowered its initial cost estimate, the primary responsibility for funding a federal protection measure such as REAL ID should be through the federal government, not the states,” Valverde noted.
