Q: Nothing has been mentioned about the proof documents being scanned by the Department of Driver Services. These scans include tax returns (with Social Security numbers), bank statements (to show home address), etc. What is security of stored scans? My main point is the potential risks of warehousing so much personal information. Why is this needed?
—Bob Haley, Stone Mountain
A: The Real ID Act of 2005 mandates that every state take and store digital images of an applicant's documents. Georgia adds those documents to its licensed drivers' driving records, which are confidential, according to state and federal laws, DDS spokeswoman Susan Sports told Q&A on the News in an email. She said document retention has been used since the digital license issuance system was launched throughout the state in November 2009. "In addition, after adjudication from the court, traffic citations have been transferred to DDS for addition to the identified personal driving record as required by previous law," she wrote. Sports added, "DDS continues to meet or exceed all state and federal security standards. All personal and sensitive data is stored on high security servers and databases with stringent access control. We also have third-party audits performed each year to ensure our security exceeds the highest standards. The integrity and security of our customer's data is our first priority before planning the implementation of any new legislation, procedure or process."
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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