CHAPTER 303—NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER
30302.
National Driver Register.
30303.
State participation.
30304.
Reports by chief driver licensing officials.
30305.
Access to Register information.
30307.
Criminal penalties.
30308.
Authorization of appropriations.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title IV, §24218(b), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 831, struck out item 30306 "National Driver Register Advisory Committee".
§30301. Definitions
In this chapter—
(1) "alcohol" has the same meaning given that term in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation.
(2) "chief driver licensing official" means the official in a State who is authorized to—
(A) maintain a record about a motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State; and
(B) issue, deny, revoke, suspend, or cancel a motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State.
(3) "controlled substance" has the same meaning given that term in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802).
(4) "motor vehicle" means a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used on public streets, roads, or highways, but does not include a vehicle operated only on a rail line.
(5) "motor vehicle operator's license" means a license issued by a State authorizing an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public streets, roads, or highways.
(6) "participating State" means a State that has notified the Secretary under section 30303 of this title of its participation in the National Driver Register.
(7) "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
(8) "State of record" means a State that has given the Secretary a report under section 30304 of this title about an individual who is the subject of a request for information made under section 30305 of this title.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 973.)
In clauses (4) and (5), the words "public streets, roads, or highways" are substituted for "highway" and " 'highway' means any road or street" for consistency in the revised title.
In clause (4), the words "rail line" are substituted for "rail or rails" for consistency in the revised title.
The definitions of "Secretary", "Register", and "Register system" are omitted as surplus because the complete name of the Secretary of Transportation and the National Driver Register are used the first time the terms appear in a section.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Protection of Domestic Violence and Crime Victims From Certain Disclosures of Information
Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §827, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3066, provided that: "In developing regulations or guidance with regard to identification documents, including driver's licenses, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Administrator of Social Security, shall consider and address the needs of victims, including victims of battery, extreme cruelty, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking, who are entitled to enroll in State address confidentiality programs, whose addresses are entitled to be suppressed under State or Federal law or suppressed by a court order, or who are protected from disclosure of information pursuant to section 384 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1367)."
Improved Security for Drivers' Licenses and Personal Identification Cards
Pub. L. 116–260, div. U, title X, §1001(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2306, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020], a State does not need to require an applicant for a driver's license or identification card to provide separate documentation of the applicant's Social Security account number in order to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (division B of Public Law 109–13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note)."
Pub. L. 116–136, div. B, title VI, §16006, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 545, provided that: "The Secretary of Homeland Security, under the authority granted under section 205(b) of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note) shall extend the deadline by which States are required to meet the driver license and identification card issuance requirements under section 202(a)(1) of such Act until not earlier than September 30, 2021."
Pub. L. 110–177, title V, §508, Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2543, provided that:
"(a) Minimum Document Requirements.—
"(1) Minimum requirements.—For purposes of section 202(b)(6) of the REAL ID Act of 2005 [div. B of Pub. L. 109–13] (49 U.S.C. 30301 note), a State may, in the case of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2), include in a driver's license or other identification card issued to that individual by the State, the address specified in that subparagraph in lieu of the individual's address of principle residence.
"(2) Individuals and information.—The individuals and addresses referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:
"(A) In the case of a Justice of the United States, the address of the United States Supreme Court.
"(B) In the case of a judge of a Federal court, the address of the courthouse.
"(b) Verification of Information.—For purposes of section 202(c)(1)(D) of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. 30301 note), in the case of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2), a State need only require documentation of the address appearing on the individual's driver's license or other identification card issued by that State to the individual."
Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title II, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 311, as amended by Pub. L. 115–323, §2, Dec. 17, 2018, 132 Stat. 4443; Pub. L. 116–260, div. U, title X, §1001(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2304, provided that:
"SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
"In this title, the following definitions apply:
"(1) Driver's license.—The term 'driver's license'—
"(A) means a motor vehicle operator's license, as defined in section 30301 of title 49, United States Code; and
"(B) includes driver's licenses stored or accessed via electronic means, such as mobile or digital driver's licenses, which have been issued in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
"(2) Identification card.—The term 'identification card'—
"(A) means a personal identification card, as defined in section 1028(d) of title 18, United States Code, issued by a State; and
"(B) includes identification cards stored or accessed via electronic means, such as mobile or digital identification cards, which have been issued in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
"(3) Official purpose.—The term 'official purpose' includes but is not limited to accessing Federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, entering nuclear power plants, and any other purposes that the Secretary shall determine.
"(4) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
"(5) State.—The term 'State' means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
"SEC. 202. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND ISSUANCE STANDARDS FOR FEDERAL RECOGNITION.
"(a) Minimum Standards for Federal Use.—
"(1) In general.—Beginning 3 years after the date of the enactment of this division [May 11, 2005], a Federal agency may not accept, for any official purpose, a driver's license or identification card issued by a State to any person unless the State is meeting the requirements of this section.
"(2) State certifications.—The Secretary shall determine whether a State is meeting the requirements of this section based on certifications made by the State to the Secretary. Such certifications shall be made at such times and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.
"(3) Limitation.—The presentation of digital information from a mobile or digital driver's license or identification card to an official of a Federal agency for an official purpose may not be construed to grant consent for such Federal agency to seize the electronic device on which the license or card is stored or to examine any other information contained on such device.
"(b) Minimum Driver's License and Identification Card Requirements.—To meet the requirements of this section, a State shall include, at a minimum, the following information and features on, or as part of, each driver's license and identification card issued to a person by the State:
"(1) The person's full legal name.
"(2) The person's date of birth.
"(3) The person's gender.
"(4) The person's driver's license or identification card number.
"(5) A digital photograph of the person, which may be the photograph taken by the State at the time the person applies for a driver's license or identification card or may be a digital photograph of the person that is already on file with the State.
"(6) The person's address of principal residence.
"(7) The person's signature.
"(8) Security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the driver's license or identification card for fraudulent purposes.
"(9) A common machine-readable technology, with defined minimum data elements.
"(c) Minimum Issuance Standards.—
"(1) In general.—To meet the requirements of this section, a State shall require, at a minimum, presentation and verification of the following information before issuing a driver's license or identification card to a person:
"(A) A photo identity document, except that a non-photo identity document is acceptable if it includes both the person's full legal name and date of birth.
"(B) Documentation showing the person's date of birth.
"(C) The person's social security account number or verification that the person is not eligible for a social security account number.
"(D) Documentation showing the person's name and address of principal residence.
"(2) Special requirements.—
"(A) In general.—To meet the requirements of this section, a State shall comply with the minimum standards of this paragraph.
"(B) Evidence of lawful status.—A State shall require, before issuing a driver's license or identification card to a person, valid documentary evidence that the person—
"(i) is a citizen or national of the United States;
"(ii) is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence in the United States;
"(iii) has conditional permanent resident status in the United States;
"(iv) has an approved application for asylum in the United States or has entered into the United States in refugee status;
"(v) has a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into the United States;
"(vi) has a pending application for asylum in the United States;
"(vii) has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;
"(viii) has approved deferred action status;
"(ix) has a pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States; or
"(x) is a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau who has been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic or Federated States.
"(C) Temporary drivers' licenses and identification cards.—
"(i) In general.—If a person presents evidence under any of clauses (v) through (ix) of subparagraph (B), the State may only issue a temporary driver's license or temporary identification card to the person.
"(ii) Expiration date.—A temporary driver's license or temporary identification card issued pursuant to this subparagraph shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, a period of one year.
"(iii) Display of expiration date.—A temporary driver's license or temporary identification card issued pursuant to this subparagraph shall clearly indicate that it is temporary and shall state the date on which it expires.
"(iv) Renewal.—A temporary driver's license or temporary identification card issued pursuant to this subparagraph may be renewed only upon presentation of valid documentary evidence that the status by which the applicant qualified for the temporary driver's license or temporary identification card has been extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
"(3) Electronic presentation of identity and lawful status information.—A State may accept information required under paragraphs (1) and (2) through the use of electronic transmission methods if—
"(A) the Secretary issues regulations regarding such electronic transmission that—
"(i) describe the categories of information eligible for electronic transmission; and
"(ii) include measures—
"(I) to ensure the authenticity of the information transmitted;
"(II) to protect personally identifiable information; and
"(III) to detect and prevent identity fraud; and
"(B) the State certifies to the Department of Homeland Security that its use of such electronic methods complies with regulations issued by the Secretary.
"(4) Verification of documents.—To meet the requirements of this section, a State shall implement the following procedures:
"(A) Before issuing a driver's license or identification card to a person, the State shall verify, with the issuing agency, the issuance, validity, and completeness of the information and documentation required to be presented by the person under paragraph (1) or (2).
"(B) The State shall not accept any foreign document, other than an official passport, to satisfy a requirement of paragraph (1) or (2).
"(C) Not later than September 11, 2005, the State shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Homeland Security to routinely utilize the automated system known as Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, as provided for by section 404 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, 8 U.S.C. 1324a note] (110 Stat. 3009–664), to verify the legal presence status of a person, other than a United States citizen, applying for a driver's license or identification card.
"(d) Other Requirements.—To meet the requirements of this section, a State shall adopt the following practices in the issuance of drivers' licenses and identification cards:
"(1) Employ technology to capture digital images of identity source documents so that the images can be retained in electronic storage in a transferable format.
"(2) Retain paper copies of source documents for a minimum of 7 years or images of source documents presented for a minimum of 10 years.
"(3) Subject each person applying for a driver's license or identification card to mandatory facial image capture.
"(4) Establish an effective procedure to confirm or verify a renewing applicant's information.
"(5) Confirm with the Social Security Administration a social security account number presented by a person using the full social security account number. In the event that a social security account number is already registered to or associated with another person to which any State has issued a driver's license or identification card, the State shall resolve the discrepancy and take appropriate action.
"(6) Refuse to issue a driver's license or identification card to a person holding a driver's license issued by another State without confirmation that the person is terminating or has terminated the driver's license.
"(7) Ensure the physical security of locations where drivers' licenses and identification cards are produced and the security of materials, records, and data from which drivers' licenses and identification cards are produced.
"(8) Subject all persons authorized to manufacture or produce drivers' licenses and identification cards to appropriate background checks.
"(9) Establish fraud detection and prevention training programs for appropriate employees engaged in the issuance of drivers' licenses and identification cards.
"(10) Limit the period of validity of all driver's licenses and identification cards that are not temporary to a period that does not exceed 8 years.
"(11) In any case in which the State issues a driver's license or identification card that does not satisfy the requirements of this section, ensure that such license or identification card—
"(A) clearly states on its face that it may not be accepted by any Federal agency for federal identification or any other official purpose; and
"(B) uses a unique design or color indicator to alert Federal agency and other law enforcement personnel that it may not be accepted for any such purpose.
"(12) Provide electronic access to all other States to information contained in the motor vehicle database of the State.
"(13) Maintain a State motor vehicle database that contains, at a minimum—
"(A) all data fields printed on drivers' licenses and identification cards issued by the State; and
"(B) motor vehicle drivers' histories, including motor vehicle violations, suspensions, and points on licenses.
"SEC. 203. TRAFFICKING IN AUTHENTICATION FEATURES FOR USE IN FALSE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS.
"(a) Criminal Penalty.—[Amended section 1028 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.]
"(b) Use of False Driver's License at Airports.—
"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall enter, into the appropriate aviation security screening database, appropriate information regarding any person convicted of using a false driver's license at an airport (as such term is defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code).
"(2) False defined.—In this subsection, the term 'false' has the same meaning such term has under section 1028(d) of title 18, United States Code.
"SEC. 205. AUTHORITY.
"(a) Participation of Secretary of Transportation and States.—All authority to issue regulations, set standards, and issue grants under this title shall be carried out by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the States.
"(b) Extensions of Deadlines.—The Secretary may grant to a State an extension of time to meet the requirements of section 202(a)(1) if the State provides adequate justification for noncompliance.
"SEC. 206. REPEAL.
"[Repealed section 7212 of Pub. L. 108–458, formerly set out below.]
"SEC. 207. LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.
"Nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the authorities or responsibilities of the Secretary of Transportation or the States under chapter 303 of title 49, United States Code.
"SEC. 208. NOTIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES.
"During the 15-month period beginning 90 days before the date on which Federal agencies will no longer accept, for official purposes, driver's licenses and identification cards that do not comply with the requirements under section 202, aircraft operators and third party reservation entities shall notify passengers about the requirements and enforcement deadlines under this Act [div. B of Pub. L. 109–13, see Short Title of 2005 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality]."
Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7212, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3827, which prohibited acceptance by a Federal agency, for any official purpose, of a driver's license or personal identification card issued by a State more than 2 years after the promulgation of minimum standards unless the driver's license or personal identification card conformed to such minimum standards, and directed the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish such standards not later than 18 months after Dec. 17, 2004, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title II, §206, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 316.
Evaluation and Assessment of Alternatives
Pub. L. 105–178, title II, §2006(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 336, provided that:
"(1) Evaluation.—The Secretary shall evaluate the implementation of chapter 303 of title 49, United States Code, and the programs under sections 31106 and 31309 of such title and identify alternatives to improve the ability of the States to exchange information about unsafe drivers and to identify drivers with multiple licenses.
"(2) Technology assessment.—The Secretary, in conjunction with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, shall conduct an assessment of available electronic technologies to improve access to and exchange of motor vehicle driving records. The assessment may consider alternative unique motor vehicle driver identifiers that would facilitate accurate matching of drivers and their records.
"(3) Report to congress.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the evaluation and technology assessment, together with any recommendations for appropriate administrative and legislative actions.
"(4) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph (2) $250,000 in the aggregate for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1998."
Executive Documents
Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
§30302. National Driver Register
(a) Establishment and Contents.—The Secretary of Transportation shall establish as soon as practicable and maintain a National Driver Register to assist chief driver licensing officials of participating States in exchanging information about the motor vehicle driving records of individuals. The Register shall contain an index of the information reported to the Secretary under section 30304 of this title. The Register shall enable the Secretary (electronically or, until all States can participate electronically, by United States mail)—
(1) to receive information submitted under section 30304 of this title by the chief driver licensing official of a State of record;
(2) to receive a request for information made by the chief driver licensing official of a participating State under section 30305 of this title;
(3) to refer the request to the chief driver licensing official of a State of record; and
(4) in response to the request, to relay information provided by a chief driver licensing official of a State of record to the chief driver licensing official of a participating State, without interception of the information.
(b) Accuracy of Information.—The Secretary is not responsible for the accuracy of information relayed to the chief driver licensing official of a participating State. However, the Secretary shall maintain the Register in a way that ensures against inadvertent alteration of information during a relay. The Secretary shall make continual improvements to modernize the Register's data processing system.
(c) Transition From Prior Register.—(1) The Secretary shall provide by regulation for the orderly transition from the register maintained under the Act of July 14, 1960 (Public Law 86–660, 74 Stat. 526), as restated by section 401 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89–563, 80 Stat. 730), to the Register maintained under this chapter.
(2)(A) The Secretary shall delete from the Register a report or information that was compiled under the Act of July 14, 1960 (Public Law 86–660, 74 Stat. 526), as restated by section 401 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89–563, 80 Stat. 730), and transferred to the Register, after the earlier of—
(i) the date the State of record removes it from the State's file;
(ii) 7 years after the date the report or information is entered in the Register; or
(iii) the date a fully electronic Register system is established.
(B) The report or information shall be disposed of under chapter 33 of title 44.
(3) If the chief driver licensing official of a participating State finds that information provided for inclusion in the Register is erroneous or is related to a conviction of a traffic offense that subsequently is reversed, the official immediately shall notify the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide for the immediate deletion of the information from the Register.
(d) Assignment of Personnel.—In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall assign personnel necessary to ensure the effective operation of the Register.
(e) Transfer of Selected Functions to Non-Federal Management.—
(1) Agreement.—The Secretary may enter into an agreement with an organization that represents the interests of the States to manage, administer, and operate the National Driver Register's computer timeshare and user assistance functions. If the Secretary decides to enter into such an agreement, the Secretary shall ensure that the management of these functions is compatible with this chapter and the regulations issued to implement this chapter.
(2) Required demonstration.—Any transfer of the National Driver Register's computer timeshare and user assistance functions to an organization that represents the interests of the States shall begin only after a determination is made by the Secretary that all States are participating in the National Driver Register's "Problem Driver Pointer System" (the system used by the Register to effect the exchange of motor vehicle driving records) and that the system is functioning properly.
(3) Transition period.—Any agreement entered into under this subsection shall include a provision for a transition period sufficient to allow the States to make the budgetary and legislative changes the States may need to pay fees charged by the organization representing their interests for their use of the National Driver Register's computer timeshare and user assistance functions. During this transition period, the Secretary shall continue to fund these transferred functions.
(4) Fees.—The total of the fees charged by the organization representing the interests of the States in any fiscal year for the use of the National Driver Register's computer timeshare and user assistance functions shall not exceed the total cost to the organization of performing these functions in such fiscal year.
(5) Limitation on statutory construction.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed to diminish, limit, or otherwise affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out this chapter.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 973; Pub. L. 105–178, title II, §2006(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 335; Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title I, §31104, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 741.)
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 25, 1982]" are omitted as obsolete.
In subsection (c)(1), the words "The Secretary shall provide by regulation" are substituted for "The Secretary shall, within eighteen months after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 25, 1982], promulgate a final rule which provides" to eliminate executed language, for consistency in the revised title, and because "rule" and "regulation" are synonymous.
The text of section 203(e) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (Public Law 97–364, 96 Stat. 1742) is omitted as unnecessary because of 49:322(a).
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Act of July 14, 1960, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), is set out below.
Amendments
2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–141 inserted at end "The Secretary shall make continual improvements to modernize the Register's data processing system."
1998—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178 added subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
Register of Revocations of Motor Vehicle Operator's Licenses
Pub. L. 86–660, July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 526, as amended by Pub. L. 87–359, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 779; Pub. L. 89–563, title IV, §401, Sept. 9, 1966, 80 Stat. 730, provided: "That the Secretary of Commerce shall establish and maintain a register identifying each individual reported to him by a State, or political subdivision thereof, as an individual with respect to whom such State or political subdivision has denied, terminated, or temporarily withdrawn (except a withdrawal for less than six months based on a series of nonmoving violations) an individual's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle.
"Sec. 2. Only at the request of a State, a political subdivision thereof, or a Federal department or agency, shall the Secretary furnish information contained in the register established under the first section of this Act, and such information shall be furnished only to the requesting party and only with respect to an individual applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license or permit.
"Sec. 3. As used in this Act, the term 'State' includes each of the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, and American Samoa."
§30303. State participation
(a) Notification.—A State may become a participating State under this chapter by notifying the Secretary of Transportation of its intention to be bound by section 30304 of this title.
(b) Withdrawal.—A participating State may end its status as a participating State by notifying the Secretary of its withdrawal from participation in the National Driver Register.
(c) Form and Way of Notification.—Notification by a State under this section shall be made in the form and way the Secretary prescribes by regulation.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 974.)
In subsection (c), the words "in the form and way" are substituted for "in such form, and according to such procedures" to eliminate unnecessary words.
§30304. Reports by chief driver licensing officials
(a) Individuals Covered.—As soon as practicable, the chief driver licensing official of each participating State shall submit to the Secretary of Transportation a report containing the information specified by subsection (b) of this section for each individual—
(1) who is denied a motor vehicle operator's license by that State for cause;
(2) whose motor vehicle operator's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled by that State for cause; or
(3) who is convicted under the laws of that State of any of the following motor vehicle-related offenses or comparable offenses:
(A) operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled substance.
(B) a traffic violation arising in connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, or racing on the highways.
(C) failing to give aid or provide identification when involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury.
(D) perjury or knowingly making a false affidavit or statement to officials about activities governed by a law or regulation on the operation of a motor vehicle.
(b) Contents.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a report under subsection (a) of this section shall contain—
(A) the individual's legal name, date of birth, sex, and, at the Secretary's discretion, height, weight, and eye and hair color;
(B) the name of the State providing the information; and
(C) the social security account number if used by the State for driver record or motor vehicle license purposes, and the motor vehicle operator's license number if different from the social security account number.
(2) A report under subsection (a) of this section about an event that occurs during the 2-year period before the State becomes a participating State is sufficient if the report contains all of the information that is available to the chief driver licensing official when the State becomes a participating State.
(c) Time for Filing.—If a report under subsection (a) of this section is about an event that occurs—
(1) during the 2-year period before the State becomes a participating State, the report shall be submitted not later than 6 months after the State becomes a participating State; or
(2) after the State becomes a participating State, the report shall be submitted not later than 31 days after the motor vehicle department of the State receives any information specified in subsection (b)(1) of this section that is the subject of the report.
(d) Events Occurring Before Participation.—This section does not require a State to report information about an event that occurs before the 2-year period before the State becomes a participating State.
(e) Driver Record Inquiry.—Before issuing a motor vehicle operator's license to an individual or renewing such a license, a State shall request from the Secretary information from the National Driver Register under section 30302 and the commercial driver's license information system under section 31309 on the individual's driving record.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 975; Pub. L. 106–159, title II, §204, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1762.)
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 25, 1982]" are omitted as obsolete.
In subsection (b)(1)(A), the words "(including day, month, and year)" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b)(2), the words "A report under subsection (a) of this section" are substituted for "any report concerning an occurrence specified in subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words "required to be transmitted by a chief driver licensing official of a State" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "specified in subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "the motor vehicle department of the State receives any information specified in subsection (b)(1) of this section that is the subject of the report" are substituted for "receipt by a State motor vehicle department of any information specified in subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) of this section which is the subject of such report" because of the restatement.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1999—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–159 added subsec. (e).
§30305. Access to Register information
(a) Referrals of Information Requests.—(1) To carry out duties related to driver licensing, driver improvement, or transportation safety, the chief driver licensing official of a participating State may request the Secretary of Transportation to refer, electronically or by United States mail, a request for information about the motor vehicle driving record of an individual to the chief driver licensing official of a State of record.
(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall relay, electronically or by United States mail, information received from the chief driver licensing official of a State of record in response to a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the chief driver licensing official of the participating State requesting the information. However, the Secretary may refuse to relay information to the chief driver licensing official of a participating State that does not comply with section 30304 of this title.
(b) Requests To Obtain Information.—(1) The Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to obtain information under subsection (a) of this section about an individual who is the subject of an accident investigation conducted by the Board or the Administrator. The Chairman and the Administrator may receive the information.
(2) An individual who is employed, or is seeking employment, as a driver of a motor vehicle may request the chief driver licensing official of the State in which the individual is employed or seeks employment to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the individual's employer or prospective employer. An employer or prospective employer may receive the information and shall make the information available to the individual. Information may not be obtained from the National Driver Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 3 years before the request, unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(3) An individual who has received, or is applying for, an airman's certificate may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Administrator may receive the information and shall make the information available to the individual for review and written comment. The Administrator may use the information to verify information required to be reported to the Administrator by an airman applying for an airman medical certificate and to evaluate whether the airman meets the minimum standards prescribed by the Administrator to be issued an airman medical certificate. The Administrator may not otherwise divulge or use the information. Information may not be obtained from the Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 3 years before the request, unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(4) An individual who is employed, or is seeking employment, by a rail carrier as an operator of a locomotive may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the individual's employer or prospective employer or to the Secretary of Transportation. Information may not be obtained from the Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 3 years before the request, unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(5) An individual who holds, or is applying for, a license or certificate of registry under section 7101 of title 46, or a merchant mariner's document under section 7302 of title 46, may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. The Secretary may receive the information and shall make the information available to the individual for review and written comment before denying, suspending, or revoking the license, certificate, or document of the individual based on the information and before using the information in an action taken under chapter 77 of title 46. The Secretary may not otherwise divulge or use the information, except for purposes of section 7101, 7302, or 7703 of title 46. Information may not be obtained from the Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 3 years before the request, unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(6) The head of a Federal department or agency that issues motor vehicle operator's licenses may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to obtain information under subsection (a) of this section about an individual applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license from such department or agency. The department or agency may receive the information, provided it transmits to the Secretary a report regarding any individual who is denied a motor vehicle operator's license by that department or agency for cause; whose motor vehicle operator's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled by that department or agency for cause; or about whom the department or agency has been notified of a conviction of any of the motor vehicle-related offenses or comparable offenses listed in section 30304(a)(3) and over whom the department or agency has licensing authority. The report shall contain the information specified in section 30304(b).
(7) An individual who is an officer, chief warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve (including a cadet or an applicant for appointment or enlistment of any of the foregoing and any member of a uniformed service who is assigned to the Coast Guard) may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The Commandant may receive the information and shall make the information available to the individual. Information may not be obtained from the Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 3 years before the request, unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(8)(A) An individual who is seeking employment by an air carrier as a pilot may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the prospective employer of the individual, the authorized agent of the prospective employer, or the Secretary of Transportation.
(B) An air carrier that is the prospective employer of an individual described in subparagraph (A), or an authorized agent of such an air carrier, may request and receive information about that individual from the National Driver Register through an organization approved by the Secretary for purposes of requesting, receiving, and transmitting such information directly to the prospective employer of such an individual or the authorized agent of the prospective employer. This paragraph shall be carried out in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (11) of section 44703(h) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
(C) Information may not be obtained from the National Driver Register under this paragraph if the information was entered in the Register more than 5 years before the request unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request.
(9) An individual who has or is seeking access to national security information for purposes of Executive Order No. 12968, or any successor Executive order, or an individual who is being investigated for Federal employment under authority of Executive Order No. 10450, or any successor Executive order, may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to a Federal department or agency that is authorized to investigate the individual for the purpose of assisting in the determination of the eligibility of the individual for access to national security information or for Federal employment in a position requiring access to national security information. A Federal department or agency that receives information about an individual under the preceding sentence may use such information only for purposes of the authorized investigation and only in accordance with applicable law.
(10) A request under this subsection shall be made in the form and way the Secretary of Transportation prescribes by regulation.
(11) An individual may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to obtain information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section—
(A) to learn whether information about the individual is being provided;
(B) to verify the accuracy of the information; or
(C) to obtain a certified copy of the information.
(12) The head of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive information regarding an individual from the Register under this section may request and receive such information from the Secretary.
(13) The Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information under subsection (a) of this section about an individual in connection with a safety investigation under the Administrator's jurisdiction.
(c) Relationship to Other Laws.—A request for, or receipt of, information from the Register is subject to sections 552 and 552a of title 5, and other applicable laws of the United States or a State, except that—
(1) the Secretary of Transportation may not relay or otherwise provide information specified in section 30304(b)(1)(A) or (C) of this title to a person not authorized by this section to receive the information;
(2) a request for, or receipt of, information by a chief driver licensing official, or by a person authorized by subsection (b) of this section to request and receive the information, is deemed to be a routine use under section 552a(b) of title 5; and
(3) receipt of information by a person authorized by this section to receive the information is deemed to be a disclosure under section 552a(c) of title 5, except that the Secretary of Transportation is not required to retain the accounting made under section 552a(c)(1) for more than 7 years after the disclosure.
(d) Availability of Information Provided Under Prior Law.—Information provided by a State under the Act of July 14, 1960 (Public Law 86–660, 74 Stat. 526), as restated by section 401 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89–563, 80 Stat. 730), and under this chapter, shall be available under this section during the transition from the register maintained under that Act to the Register maintained under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 976; Pub. L. 104–264, title V, §502(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3262; Pub. L. 104–324, title II, §207(b), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3908; Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18), Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2205; Pub. L. 105–178, title II, §2006(b), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 335; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1061, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2056; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title V, §5512, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1556; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §563, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3384.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Pub. L. 103–272
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 30305 |
23:401 (note). |
Oct. 25, 1982, Pub. L. 97–364, §206, 96 Stat. 1743; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §305, 101 Stat. 1525; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §4(b), 102 Stat. 626; Aug. 18, 1990, Pub. L. 101–380, §4105(a), 104 Stat. 512. |
In subsection (a)(1), the words "on and after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 25, 1982]" are omitted as obsolete.
In subsection (b)(1), the word "Administrator" is substituted for "Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety" for consistency.
Subsection (d) is substituted for the last 2 sentences (added twice by mistake) in paragraphs (1) and (2) and for the last sentence in paragraphs (3), (4), and (7)(C) of section 206(b) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (Public Law 97–364, 96 Stat. 1744) for clarity and to avoid repeating the provision unnecessarily.
Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(A)
This amends 49:30305(b)(8), as redesignated by section 207(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–324, 110 Stat. 3908), to correct an erroneous cross-reference.
Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(B)
This amends 49:30305(b) to redesignate paragraph (8), as redesignated by section 502(b)(1) of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–264, 110 Stat. 3262), as paragraph (9), because section 207(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–324, 110 Stat. 3908), redesignated paragraph (7) as paragraph (8) but did not redesignate paragraph (8) as paragraph (9).
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Fair Credit Reporting Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(8)(B), is title VI of Pub. L. 90–321, as added by Pub. L. 91–508, title VI, §601, Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1127, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1681 et seq.) of chapter 41 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 15 and Tables.
Executive Order No. 12968, referred to in subsec. (b)(9), is set out as a note under section 3161 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
Executive Order No. 10450, referred to in subsec. (b)(9), is set out as a note under section 7311 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Act of July 14, 1960, referred to in subsec. (d), is set out as a note under section 30302 of this title.
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 115–254 amended par. (8) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (8) read as follows: "An individual who is seeking employment by an air carrier as a pilot may request the chief driver licensing official of a State to provide information about the individual under subsection (a) of this section to the prospective employer of the individual or to the Secretary of Transportation. Information may not be obtained from the National Driver Register under this subsection if the information was entered in the Register more than 5 years before the request unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request."
2015—Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 114–94 added par. (13).
2004—Subsec. (b)(9) to (12). Pub. L. 108–375 added par. (9) and redesignated former pars. (9) to (11) as (10) to (12), respectively.
1998—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(1)(A), inserted before period at end ", unless the information is about a revocation or suspension still in effect on the date of the request".
Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(2)(B), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (10).
Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(1)(C), directed amendment identical to that made by Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(B). See 1997 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(1)(B)(ii), realigned margins.
Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(1)(B)(i), directed amendment identical to that made by Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(A). See 1997 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(1)(C), directed amendment identical to that made by Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(B). See 1997 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(2)(A), redesignated par. (6) as (10) and transferred it to appear after par. (9).
Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 105–178, §2006(b)(2)(C), added par. (11).
1997—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(B), redesignated par. (8), relating to request, as (9).
Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(A), in par. (8), relating to individual seeking employment as pilot, substituted "subsection (a) of this section" for "paragraph (2)".
Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 105–102, §2(18)(B), redesignated par. (8), relating to request, as (9).
1996—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 104–324, §207(b), added par. (7). Former par. (7), relating to individual seeking employment as pilot, redesignated (8).
Pub. L. 104–264, §502(b), added par. (7). Former par. (7), relating to request, redesignated (8).
Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 104–324, §207(b), redesignated par. (7), relating to individual seeking employment as pilot, as (8).
Pub. L. 104–264, §502(b), redesignated par. (7), relating to request, as (8).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
Pub. L. 104–264, title V, §502(d), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3263, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 44936 and 46301 of this title] shall apply to any air carrier hiring an individual as a pilot whose application was first received by the carrier on or after the 120th day following the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1996]."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Section, Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 978; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(308), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4340, related to establishment, duties, and membership of the National Driver Register Advisory Committee.
§30307. Criminal penalties
(a) General Penalty.—A person (except an individual described in section 30305(b)(6) 1 of this title) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, if—
(1) the person receives under section 30305 of this title information specified in section 30304(b)(1)(A) or (C) of this title;
(2) disclosure of the information is not authorized by section 30305 of this title; and
(3) the person willfully discloses the information knowing that disclosure is not authorized.
(b) Information Penalty.—A person knowingly and willfully requesting, or under false pretenses obtaining, information specified in section 30304(b)(1)(A) or (C) of this title from a person receiving the information under section 30305 of this title shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 979.)
In this section, the words "fined under title 18" are substituted for "fined not more than $10,000" for consistency with title 18.
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the reference to "section 30305(b)(6) of this title" is used to carry out the probable intent of Congress. Section 305(b)(1) of the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–223, 101 Stat. 1526) amended section 206(b) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (Public Law 97–364, 96 Stat. 1744) by "redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4), and any reference thereto, as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively". Because the reference to "section 206(b)(4)" in section 208 of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 appears to have been incorrect before that amendment, and would continue to be incorrect if the reference is redesignated as required by the amendment, a reference to section 30305(b)(6) is used in this section to carry out the probable intent of Congress.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 30305(b) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was amended by Pub. L. 105–178, title II, §2006(b)(2)(A), (B), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 336, which added a new par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (10).
§30308. Authorization of appropriations
(a) General.—The Secretary of Transportation shall make available from amounts made available to carry out section 402 of title 23 $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1993, and September 30, 1994, $2,550,000 for each of fiscal years 1995, 1996, and 1997, and $1,855,000 for the period of October 1, 1997, through March 31, 1998, to carry out this chapter.
(b) Availability of Amounts.—Amounts authorized under this section remain available until expended.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 979; Pub. L. 103–331, title III, §343, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2496; Pub. L. 103–429, §6(25), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4380; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §343, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 610; Pub. L. 104–287, §5(59), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3394; Pub. L. 105–18, title II, §8004, June 12, 1997, 111 Stat. 195; Pub. L. 105–130, §6(c), Dec. 1, 1997, 111 Stat. 2559.)
In subsection (a), the text of section 211(a) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (Public Law 97–364, 96 Stat. 1747) is omitted as executed. The words "and the provisions of Public Law 86–660 (74 Stat. 526)" and references to fiscal years 1983–1987 and 1992 are omitted as obsolete. The word "section" in the source provision is translated as if it were "title" to reflect the apparent intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 103–429
This amends 49:30308(b) to correct an error in the codification enacted by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (Public Law 103–272, 108 Stat. 979).
Pub. L. 104–287
This amends 49:30308 to correct a grammatical error.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–130 substituted "1994," for "1994, and" and inserted "and $1,855,000 for the period of October 1, 1997, through March 31, 1998," after "1997,".
Pub. L. 105–18 substituted ", 1996, and 1997" for "and 1996".
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–287 inserted a comma after "September 30, 1994".
1995—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–59 substituted "and $2,550,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 and 1996" for "and $2,550,000 for fiscal year 1995".
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–331 inserted "and $2,550,000 for fiscal year 1995" after "1994".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–429 substituted "authorized" for "appropriated".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–429 effective July 5, 1994, see section 9 of Pub. L. 103–429, set out as a note under section 321 of this title.