American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

California's Department of Motor Vehicles will share driver’s license data with a national database despite concerns from immigrant advocates that it could expose unauthorized immigrants to deportation. The state budget and legislation include oversight measures to protect data, but critics argue these safeguards are insufficient. The data sharing aims to comply with the federal REAL ID Act.

California's new budget allocates $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system with a national database to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. Immigrant advocates warn this could expose undocumented residents to deportation risks, while state officials claim safeguards limit data exposure and prevent misuse.

California lawmakers are withholding $55 million in funding for the DMV's plan to link to a national driver license database, citing concerns that sharing data with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' system could lead to deportations of undocumented immigrants. The budget standoff centers on fears that the system's use of Social Security number placeholders might flag drivers without authorization to live in the U.S., despite California law allowing licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status.