Immigration officials criticize "Green Light" law 1:53
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Approximately 11.4 million immigrants without regular immigration status live in the United States, according to figures from the Department of Homeland Security.
And currently, 19 states, in addition to the city of Washington and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, have enacted laws that allow them to obtain driver's licenses.
Among the states with the largest foreign populations that allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license are California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and the nation's capital.
In contrast, other entities Texas and Florida, which are the second and third states with the most unauthorized immigrants to live and work in the United States, do not offer this option.
Here we explain how to complete the process to obtain a driver's license in some of the states with the largest immigrant population in the country and in the capital.
Queens opens Immigrant Welcome Center 2:33
California
In California, Assembly Bill 60 allowed the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants who can prove their identity, have established residency in California, and pass the driving tests.
The law went into effect on January 1, 2015.
AB 60 driver's licenses (DL) were created for individuals who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the US, but who do meet all other requirements and who can provide proof of identity and residence in the US. condition.
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The California DMV lists the documents they accept as proof of identity and proof of residency.
The next step is to complete the California driver's license application, then make an appointment with the DMV and study for the knowledge test.
The day of the appointment must be:
Provide proof of identity and residency in California.
Pay the application fee with a cost of US $ 38.
Perform fingerprint scan and take photo.
Pass an eye exam.
Pass the knowledge test.
Pass the road sign test.
Finally, the applicant will have to take a driving test behind the wheel.
You will need to make an appointment online or by phone at 1 800-777-0133.
New York
In New York, under the so-called Green Light law, since December 2019 undocumented immigrants can apply for a driver's license.
This law protects the information of applicants from immigration agencies.
Undocumented people can apply for a driver's license in New York.
These are the requirements (2019)
To apply for a driver's license at the New York DMV as an unauthorized immigrant, you must present a combination of documents that prove your name, date of birth, and residency in New York State.
The next step is to complete the application for a driver's license in New York, then you will need to make an appointment with the DMV and study for the knowledge test.
The day of the appointment must be:
Provide the required documentation, in addition to:
Pay the application fee with a cost no greater than US $ 98.50
Pass an eye exam.
Pass the knowledge test.
Most applicants will need to complete an approved 5-hour pre-license course and subsequently take a driving test.
You will need to make an appointment online or by phone at 1-518-402-2100.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy signed a similar law in December 2019 that allows state residents to obtain a driver's license regardless of their immigration status.
The law went into effect on January 1, 2021.
To apply for a driver's license with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) as an unauthorized immigrant, a combination of documents must be presented to comply with the 6-point identity verification.
Unlike other states, the New Jersey MVC has a multi-step gradual system for acquiring a driver's license.
To obtain the first license, the process is divided into five steps:
Obtain a special learner's permit (application BA-208) after passing the knowledge and vision exams.
Practice with an adult supervising driver for at least three months.
Obtain a trial license after passing a driving test.
With a probationary license, you must drive without supervision for at least one year.
Obtain the basic driver's license.
The MVC has an online portal to schedule the necessary appointments for the driver's permit and license process.
Illinois
A law was signed in 2012 that allows unauthorized immigrants to obtain a temporary visitor driver's license (TVDL) in Illinois.
Since then, regardless of their immigration status, drivers can obtain a driver's license if they pass a driving safety test and have valid car insurance.
The law went into effect in November 2013.
To obtain a TVDL license, the following documentation must be presented:
Proof of Illinois residency for the past 12 months.
Two documents that verify current residence.
Not be eligible for a Social Security Number.
Documentation verifying date of birth and written signature.
Valid passport or consular identification card.
Once you have the required documents, you must schedule an appointment to which you must bring the necessary documentation, a proof of insurance of the vehicle that you will use for the driving test and pay a fee of US $ 30. During the appointment you will be you will take a photo and will have to take an eye exam, written and driving tests.
City of washington
On May 1, 2014, a law went into effect in the US capital that allows unauthorized immigrants to apply for a driver's license even if they cannot provide a Social Security number, who are not eligible to obtain a driver's license number. social security or that they cannot prove their legal presence in the country.
To apply for a driver's license at the Washington City DMV, you must present proof of identity, proof of residency in the District of Columbia, proof of six months of residency in the District of Columbia, and fill out an application form. declaration of the Social Security Number.
Once you have the necessary documents, an appointment should be made to obtain a limited purpose driver's license.
On the day of your appointment, you must pass a vision test, the knowledge test and pay a fee of US $ 10 for the knowledge test and US $ 20 for the permit.
You will be granted a temporary permit.
The next thing is to schedule a driving test online or by calling 202-737-4404.
The driving test costs US $ 10 and the license costs US $ 47.
United States Immigrant Driver's licenses
