What was billed as the nation's only open meeting on Real ID took place at UC Davis on Tuesday. A few hundred gathered to discuss setting national standards for drivers licenses and ID cards. Jenny O'Mara reports.
The head of California's Department of Motor Vehicles George Valverde warns that implementing the Real ID program could cost up to $500 million. He says it could be a real headache for Californians-who would be forced to obtain new licenses in person.
Valverde: It would require up to 2.5 million drivers to come into our field offices on an annual basis for the first five years of implementation.
Both fans and critics attended the meeting. Supporters say national ID standards will help avoid what happened with 9/11 hijackers who obtained licenses. Opponents say it could hinder privacy, with a national database that could expose personal information.
The Director of the Real ID program Darrell Williams says they're spending time hearing all the concerns.
Williams: So when we go back we can better address those concerns in the national proposed rule we're making prior to that rule's release.
The Department of Homeland Security will continue to collect public comment through May eighth. Final regulations are expected later this year.
