Effective Sept. 1, locksmiths using the Autel KM100 programmer must be validated through NASTF's Secure Data Release Model (SDRM) — the industry's somewhat controversial system for controlling access to vehicle security data.

The NASTF SDRM program is touted as a mechanism to address growing concerns surrounding vehicle theft and unauthorized vehicle access. Locksmiths needing NASTF SDRM validation must register and pay for that validation through NASTF. Fees are currently set at $335 for a primary two-year license, $150 per subordinate account and $100 for a two-year renewal. Registration requires proof of insurance, business license and when applicable, a locksmith license. They can register at https://sdrm.nastfsecurityregistry.org/register

SDRM validation is already active across all XTOOL scan tools and programmers.

This is step one for Autel. The Autel MaxiIM IM508 Series and IM608 Series programmers are expected to be added to the validation system over the next year, according to the company.

To help automotive locksmiths navigate this change, Autel has launched a dedicated page on its website, https://autel.us/sdrm-resource-center/.

How it works:

According to NASTF, scan tool security validation applies to supported security functions including All Keys Lost (AKL) and Immobilizer Functions.

For most supported transactions, users simply enter:

• Their NASTF Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) ID
• A passcode generated by NASTF’s multi-factor authentication app
• The transaction is then validated and logged within NASTF’s SDRM database.