Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

In May, the ACLU testified before the Senate Judiciary committee in support of legislation (S 0434) permitting the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. Current law requires a social security number before obtaining a driver’s licenses; this legislation would allow for identity verification using a number of other factors, including a utility bill. Ensuring that individuals who are capable of driving safely can do so will keep the roads safer by enabling these individuals to obtain driver’s training and have their training skills evaluated on a regular basis, while also allowing them to obtain automobile insurance. Under this legislation, sponsored by Senator Juan Pichardo, that license would specifically state that it could not be used for any reason beyond driving a motor vehicle, including voting. The legislation further included a number of protections to ensure that licenses cannot be used to harass undocumented immigrants or to seek information on those individuals who have legally obtained licenses. The legislation was withdrawn before the end of the session and similar legislation (H 6174, S 0391) was not voted on.