The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice indicating that it is reopening the comment period on a proposed rule to implement a section of the 1996 Immigration Act. The provision in the 1996 Act states that after October 1, 2000, Federal agencies may not accept as proof of identity driver's licenses or other comparable identification documents issued by a state unless the document conforms to specific requirements. The requirements concern the application process for driver's licenses and identification documents, the form of driver's licenses and identification documents (including security features) and the use of social security numbers on these documents.

The NHTSA issued a proposed rule on June 17, 1998 and gave until August 3, 1998 to submit comments. The NHTSA noted, however, that it soon became apparent that "there is considerable public interest in the proposed regulations." In response to numerous public requests including requests from several Congressmen, the agency agreed to reopen the comment period and is now informing members of the public that they have until October 2, 1998 to submit comments.

If you are interested in submitting comments, send them to the following address:

Docket Management
Room PL-401
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Nassif Building
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

Be sure to reference Docket No. NHTSA-98-3945, RIN 2127-AG91.