Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new rule on the minimum standards for drivers' licenses and identification cards acceptable by Federal Agencies for official purposes. GAO found that (1) the final rule establishes minimum standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards that federal agencies can accept for official purposes, including access to federal facilities and security at airports, on or after May 11, 2008, and specifies the required format of the drivers' licenses and identification cards, the evidence a state must verify before issuing a REAL ID, and the security procedures a state must have in place at its facilities; and (2) DHS complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.