NCSL Analysis on the Real ID

Since 2005, NCSL has provided thorough and timely analysis on the Real ID and federal requirements for the issuance of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.  For related NCSL statements and testimony, click here.

• Real ID: Final Regulations  (June/July 2008)
  Summary: Legisbrief published by NCSL summarizing the requirements of DHS Final Regulations and reporting developments in the news since the release.

• NCSL Analysis of the DHS Final Regulations to Implement the Real ID (January 2008)
  Summary: A series of documents summarizing different sections of the final regulations to implement the Real ID. In addition, this includes a comparison of the final regulations and the recommendations included in the September 2006 report (linked below) issued by NCSL, governors and motor vehicle administrators.

• NCSL Analysis of the DHS Draft Regulations to Implement the Real ID (March 2007)
  Summary: A series of documents summarizing different sections of the draft regulations. In addition, this includes a comparison of the requirements to the recommendations included in the September 2006 report (linked below) issued by NCSL, governors and motor vehicle administrators.

• Real ID Act: National Impact Analysis (60 pages) (September 2006)  
  Summary: To ensure Congress and the federal government understand the fiscal and operational impact of altering these complex and vital state systems, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), in conjunction with the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), conducted a nationwide survey of state motor vehicle agencies (DMVs). Based on the results of that survey, NGA, NCSL and AAMVA concluded that Real ID will cost more than $11 billion over five years, have a major impact on services to the public and impose unrealistic burdens on states to comply with the act by the May 2008 deadline.  The organizations also provide practical and cost effective solutions for Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address these shortcomings and meet the objectives of the act. 

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