In response to news that some states are sharing driver's licenses with federal investigators, Arizona Department of Transportation officials say they are not sharing your driver's license photo unless there is just cause.
Tim Tait with ADOT said Arizona does use facial recognition software, but maintains it is strictly for internal use to ensure drivers who already have a license cannot apply for a duplicate.
Occasionally, ADOT will comply with federal agents' requests, but there are restrictions.
"They have to articulate the 'what,' the 'why' and the 'who' in order for us to run the request," Tait said. "No one has open-ended access to the system. Each request is evaluated independently and individually."
Tait said he does not know whether ADOT has fielded any specific requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. However, he said it is unlikely the federal agency finds Arizona records useful since the state does not issue licenses to people who are not in the country legally.
