California to Upload Immigrant Driver’s License Data to National Verification System

California’s DMV will upload driver-license records—showing whether a Social Security number is on file—to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ State-to-State Verification system (SPEXS). Officials say the move satisfies the Real ID Act. The transfer costs about $55 million and may require amending a law that limits SSN sharing. Over one million residents hold AB 60 licenses, created by Assembly Bill 60 in 2013.

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The governor’s office, via Diana Crofts-Pelayo, says California “continues to lead in supporting immigrant families and protecting personal data from federal overreach.” AAMVA chief Ian Grossman says participation is voluntary, only authorized personnel can query the system, bulk searches are prohibited, and each query must include a name and date of birth. DMV director Steve Gordon emphasized the urgency, stating, “we need to go now.”

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Immigrant-rights groups argue the data transfer breaches the promise of AB 60. The Identity Project’s Ed Hasbrouck warns the information will be “out of California’s control” once uploaded. Oakland Privacy’s Tracy Rosenberg calls it a “direct betrayal” of AB 60 license holders, while Pedro Rios of the American Friends Service Committee says it betrays the state’s commitment to protect all residents. Becca Cramer adds that the rush to comply with Real ID overlooks broader concerns.

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AAMVA assures that only authorized staff may query the system and that bulk searches are prohibited. It also says it will inform California of any out-of-state subpoena “if legally permitted,” though a gag order could block such notice. Current California law limits SSN sharing to tax-related purposes, so the plan may need statutory amendment. Oklahoma lawmakers have sued to block similar data sharing, citing state-law violations.

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• “Once this data is uploaded to AAMVA, it’s out of California’s control, no matter what California wants, no matter what protests we may make,” — Ed Hasbrouck, The Identity Project

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• “It’s unclear how extreme the danger people are being put into by this decision but there ’s no doubt we told people with AB 60 licenses this would never happen, but it’s happening, and that’s a direct betrayal,” — Tracy Rosenberg, Oakland Privacy

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• “California continues to lead in supporting immigrant families and protecting personal data from federal overreach,” — Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Governor’s office spokesperson

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The $55 million budget request must be cleared by the state legislature before data can be transferred. Lawmakers are reviewing whether a statutory amendment is needed to permit SSN sharing. The plan could face legal challenges similar to the Oklahoma lawsuit. AAMVA’s ability to block bulk searches and to notify California of subpoenas will shape the program’s implementation and its impact on undocumented drivers.

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