What effect does the Driver Privacy Protection Act of 1994 have on my ability to get information from the Michigan Secretary of State?
A Michigan law passed in 1997 brings the state into compliance with the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act by allowing personal information such as names and addresses to be released only for certain purposes. Newspapers can have access only for “the preparation and dissemination of a report related…to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.” Newspapers seeking access to motor vehicle, driver’s license and state identification card information must now certify that they will comply with state and federal law. Making a false representation on the request form is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The Michigan Press Association and the Department of State have agreed upon a form letter which should satisfy the legal requirements. The letter has been reviewed by the legal department of the Department of State and the MPA General Counsel. Newspaper editors and publishers should make sure their staffs understand the requirements of the Driver
