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California Transmits License SSNs to Federal System, Critics Alarmed

4/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

California officials will transmit driver-license data, including Social Security numbers, to the AAMVA verification system.
The state says the transfer is required to meet the Real ID Act and avoid ID denial at federal checkpoints.
Advocates call the plan a betrayal of California’s promise to protect undocumented drivers.
Civil-rights groups warn ICE or Border Patrol could access the uploaded information despite bulk-search prohibitions.

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Story summary

California officials will transmit driver-license data, including Social Security numbers, to the AAMVA verification system.
The state says the transfer is required to meet the Real ID Act and avoid ID denial at federal checkpoints.
Advocates call the plan a betrayal of California’s promise to protect undocumented drivers.
Civil-rights groups warn ICE or Border Patrol could access the uploaded information despite bulk-search prohibitions.