Keep Up With Real ID

By Matt Sundeen

On Jan. 11, 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the final regulations to implement the requirements of the REAL ID. The release of the final regulations is only 120 days before the implementation deadline established in the act.

DHS estimates the costs for states to implement the REAL ID will not exceed $3.9 billion. But according to a study conducted by NCSL, the National Governors Association and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the act will cost states more than $11 billion to implement over five years and will have a major impact on services to the public.

To date, Congress has appropriated only $90 million to assist states with implementation, of which only $6 million has been obligated. The president's FY 2007 and FY 2008 budget proposals did not include any funds to help states with the implementation of the REAL ID.

Check out the latest REAL ID news at NCSL's Countdown to REAL ID page, online at www.ncsl.org/realid/

Also, you can check out our legislative tracking database at http://www.ncsl.org/standcomm/sctran/RealIDdb.cfm.