If you've been reading the papers, you've probably wondered, "Where in the heck is AAMVA in the Real ID discussion?"  Well, like patient folks, AAMVA and it's members have been anticipating the rules for Real ID, and along the way building more integrity into their existing driver's license systems--while others bloviated on the current state of driver's licensing affairs.   Not to mention,  offering to DHS some common sense and fiscally sound solutions for implementing Real ID. 

According to Sec. Chertoff, the rules will be public today--all 300 pages of them.  What a fun read?!

Now here's what's going to happen.  Trust me, I've been in this town, and this business, long enough to know that the media, and the privacy extremists are quite predictable.

The mainstream media will do everything possible to give air time, and ink, to those who want to spew venom about Real ID.  And, you can bet while there will be a number of groups unhappy about Real ID, the ACLU will be leading the charge.  Surprise, surprise.  And they are already off to a great start issuing their "scorecard" for Real ID.  All this from the group that sells its own members personal information!!!  How is that for privacy?

Their scorecard has three categories for evaluating the rules:  pass, incomplete or fail.  How much would you like to bet that no matter what the rules say, ACLU will give the DHS rules less than a 5% pass rate.  All this while not offering a single solution.  And how much would you like to bet that the mainstream media will give this less than sound evaluation method ample coverage.  Go figure.

Now, if you really want to know what the rules mean for you the consumer, stay tuned, the state DMVs will post their comments after a thorough, intensive review.  Do not expect a knee jerk reaction from the folks who have been issuing driver's licenses for over 100 years.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, PR and Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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