Washington, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and New York currently offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. This state-level action represents a shift towards more inclusive policies that aim to improve road safety and support immigrant communities.
In Washington, for example, Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill in May 2020 that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The bill, known as Senate Bill 6640, passed with bipartisan support and was hailed as a victory for immigrant rights activists. Under the new law, undocumented immigrants are eligible to apply for a license with proof of identity and residency in Washington state.
Similarly, in New Mexico, the state’s Motor Vehicle Division began issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants in July 2003. The policy was introduced in an effort to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road and improve public safety. To obtain a license, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity and residency in New Mexico.
California, home to the largest population of undocumented immigrants in the United States, also offers driver’s licenses to undocumented residents. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants in January 2015, following the passage of Assembly Bill 60. The law allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license with proof of identity and residency in California.
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill in 2013 that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The law, known as Senate Bill 251, was designed to improve road safety and provide undocumented immigrants with a legal means of transportation. Under the law, undocumented immigrants can apply for a driver’s license with proof of identity and residency in Colorado.
Illinois is another state that has implemented a policy granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. The Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) program was established in 2013 to provide undocumented immigrants with a legal way to drive in the state. To obtain a TVDL, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity, residency, and insurance in Illinois.
Maryland is also among the states that offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. The Maryland Department of Transportation began issuing licenses to undocumented residents in January 2014. To qualify for a license, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity and residency in Maryland.
In Oregon, Senate Bill 833 was signed into law in 2013, allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The law was intended to improve road safety and ensure that all drivers on the road are licensed and insured. Undocumented immigrants can apply for a driver’s license in Oregon with proof of identity and residency.
Vermont is another state that has embraced inclusive policies towards undocumented immigrants. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles allows undocumented residents to apply for driver’s privilege cards, which grant them the ability to drive legally in the state. To obtain a driver’s privilege card, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity and residency in Vermont.
Connecticut is also part of the states that offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing licenses to undocumented residents in 2015, following the passage of House Bill 6495. The law allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license with proof of identity and residency in Connecticut.
Delaware is another state that has implemented a policy granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles began issuing licenses to undocumented residents in January 2015. To qualify for a license, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity and residency in Delaware.
Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are also among the states that offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. In Hawaii, the state’s Department of Transportation began issuing licenses to undocumented residents in 2014. In Nevada, the Department of Motor Vehicles allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver authorization card, which grants them the ability to drive legally in the state. In Utah, undocumented immigrants can apply for a driving privilege card with proof of identity and residency.
New York is the latest state to offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. In June 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act (Green Light NY), which allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license with proof of identity and residency in New York. The law aims to improve road safety and provide undocumented immigrants with greater access to opportunities and resources.
Overall, the trend towards providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants reflects a growing recognition of the contributions and needs of immigrant communities. These inclusive policies not only improve road safety but also help undocumented immigrants integrate and participate fully in society. As more states introduce similar measures, it is clear that the momentum towards greater inclusivity and support for immigrant communities is steadily growing.
