NGA Contact: Jodi Omear, 202-624-5301; 703-474-2668
NCSL Contact: Michelle Blackston, 202-624-8667
AAMVA Contact: Jason King, 703-908-8287 

WASHINGTON—With just 120 days before the implementation deadline, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released final Real ID regulations. According to the National Governors Association (NGA), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), their members now have the ability to thoroughly evaluate the new national mandate and what it means for states and citizens.

"State leaders are dedicated to protecting our citizens and share a strong commitment to ensuring the integrity and security of their driver’s license systems," said NGA Executive Director Raymond C. Scheppach. "Finalizing these regulations was a necessary step to allow states to determine whether the act can be implemented in a cost-effective and feasible manner."

Governors, state legislators and motor vehicle administrators are pleased that many of the regulations seem to reflect comments and recommendations submitted by the three groups to DHS, including extending compliance deadlines and giving states flexibility to manage their systems and make them more secure. DHS also recognized that the implementation cost was an issue by making changes to reduce costs to states. Their estimate remains significant at $3.9 billion. To date, however, Congress has appropriated less than 3 percent of the projected costs to assist states.

"Together, we initially estimated Real ID would cost states more than $11 billion. These regulations offer states some flexibility that may tame those costs," said William T. Pound, NCSL executive director.  "Still, the fact remains that the Administration has not asked Congress to fund state costs, and Congress has only provided states $90 million. State legislators have to balance budgets and make difficult choices among many competing priorities.  These regulations are federal standards and deserve federal funds."

The three national organizations plan to continue to review the rule and meet with state stakeholders to determine the impact of the regulations.

"Through an extensive process, our membership used their technical expertise in issuing drivers’ licenses to provide DHS with a broad range of concerns and suggestions," said Neil D. Schuster, AAMVA president and CEO. "We are encouraged that the agency took these into account when crafting the final rule. We will conduct an in-depth analysis of the final rule to provide the best possible information and assistance to our members."

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.‘s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.  For more information, visit www.ncsl.org.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing safety and security through motor vehicle administration and law enforcement. AAMVA develops model programs in motor vehicle administration, law enforcement and highway safety. The association's programs encourage uniformity and reciprocity among the states and provinces, and liaisons with other levels of government and the private sector. Founded in 1933, AAMVA represents the state and provincial officials in the United States and Canada who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws.