Story perspectives

California Sends License Data, Threatening Undocumented Drivers' Privacy

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

California DMV and Governor Gavin Newsom will send driver-license records to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ verification system.
The data will include the last five Social Security digits or “99999” for those without a number, potentially revealing immigration status.
Privacy advocates say the deal endangers over one million undocumented Californians and that the private association avoids FOIA and may face gag-ordered subpoenas, limiting California’s challenge ability.

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Story summary

California DMV and Governor Gavin Newsom will send driver-license records to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ verification system.
The data will include the last five Social Security digits or “99999” for those without a number, potentially revealing immigration status.
Privacy advocates say the deal endangers over one million undocumented Californians and that the private association avoids FOIA and may face gag-ordered subpoenas, limiting California’s challenge ability.