Estimates for Real ID's Cost Rely on Fuzzy Math; Still No Federal Funding for States

Read the ACLU's White Paper, "Fuzzy Math and the Real Cost of Real ID" here.

"I think the concept, though, was that this -- like all driver's licenses -- is largely a fee-based system, and that, ultimately, the cost of building Real ID should be amortized over the driver's license fee."

-- Sec. Michael Chertoff, speaking before Senate Homeland Security Committee Hearing, February 13, 2007.

The President's budget contains no appropriation for Real ID in FY 2008.  See the appropriation forecast for Real ID in the Department of Homeland Security budget appendix here.

A number of national bodies and state jurisdictions have attempted to quantify the high cost of complying with the Real ID Act:

What States Must Consider: "Real Costs: Assessing the Financial Impact of the Real ID Act on the States." PDF >

National Conference of State Legislature's Real ID "Impact Report," estimating floor costs of $11 billion nationally.  PDF >

A Virginia Real ID Task Force report estimates that the cost of partially or fully implementing changes required by the Real ID Act could be as high as $169 million with an annual recurring cost of $63 million. PDF >

To see the entire report click here.

In a Fiscal Impact Statement submitted to AAMVA, Washington State estimates that total costs for complying with the Real ID Act at $251.1 million over 6 years. PDF >

Pennsylvania estimates a total of $85 million over six fiscal years beginning in 2006. PDF >