The men were identified as undocumented and eventually detained by immigration and customs enforcement. States issue driver s licenses under the constitutional authority of the 10th amendment. Jan 03, 2015 published on jan 3, 2015 thousands of undocumented immigrants eagerly awaited their chance to apply for a driver s license in california, some in nearfreezing temperatures. Under ab 60, any california resident is able to apply for a driver s license, regardless of. California design of drivers license for immigrants rejected. This law allows individuals to qualify for a driver s license, instruction permit or identification card, despite the individual not being lawfully present or being only temporarily lawfully present in the united states if certain conditions are met, such as providing state tax returns. After january 1, 2015, undocumented licensee applicants can make an appointment to take the written exam and begin the application process. The counter is filled with drivers license applicants at the dmv office on senter road in san jose, calif. In the state of california, obtaining a drivers license did not require proof of legal presence since the early 1990s. California is about to start issuing drivers licenses to undocumented. By comparison, among states that issue drivers licenses to the undocumented, illinois has the secondmost undocumented residents, with 475,000, or about 4 percent of of those in the u. Apr 03, 2017 adilene sanchez, who now has a california drivers license under ab 60, drives with daughter, kamila fierro, 17 months, in san jose, calif.
The last time we checked on californias new rules for issuing drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, the department of motor vehicles was so overwhelmed with requests for new licenses that it can take up to three months to get an appointmenteven for lawful citizens the new program has been so popular that now over 110,000 illegal immigrants now hold those vital pieces of. As an undocumented person wondering whether you are eligible for a california driver s license without legal status or a social security number ssn, the important issue is whether you can meet the terms set out in ab 60. New california law allows immigrants to receive drivers. The california department of motor vehicles dmv expects a total of about 1. As of january 2015, california residents who cannot establish legal presence in the united states may apply for a drivers license if they can show eligible proof of identification and residency in the state. Congress enacted real id in 2005, creating standards for stateissued driver s licenses, including evidence of lawful status. Under a state law, more than a million u ndocumented immigrants are. About 830,000 undocumented applicants have sought the states drivers licenses since jan. Since 2015, more than 1 million undocumented immigrants. Ab 60 driver license california department of motor vehicles. Published on jan 3, 2015 thousands of undocumented immigrants eagerly awaited their chance to apply for a drivers license in california, some in nearfreezing temperatures. This brief provides a summary of state legislation authorizing driver s licenses or authorization cards for unauthorized. In programs first year, nearly half of californias drivers. Apr 05, 2018 assembly bill 60, which took effect in january 2015, requires the dmv to issue drivers licenses if applicants can prove their identity and california residency, as well as meet all testing.
In the state of california, obtaining a drivers license did not require. More than half of california drivers licenses went to. The safe and responsible drivers act, also known as ab 60, passed in 2015 and allowed undocumented immigrants to receive a license, leading to an initial spike of 605,000 recipients, the. Jan 09, 2015 undocumented immigrants in california can now drive legally under a new state law. Immigrants and allies worked tirelessly to pass assembly bill 60, the safe and responsible drivers act. California drivers license program for those here illegally surpasses.
Immigrants and allies worked tirelessly to pass assembly bill 60, the safe and responsible driver s act. For the first time since 1993, undocumented workers will be able to obtain a drivers license in the state of california through californias assembly. Applicants will first be issued a driver s permit and then a license. Hundreds of new laws will go into effect in california throughout the year in 2015, including one that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver s license starting friday. California will be joining other states such as connecticut, colorado, illinois, maryland, new mexico, nevada, oregon, utah, washington, as well as washington, d. Two years later, california explicitly committed to require proof of license to state issued driver s licenses by passing senate bill 976. That average has now dropped to about 10,000 per month. California drivers licenses for undocumented workers starts jan. California driver s license for undocumented residents. California drivers licenses for undocumented workers starts. California on friday will start taking drivers license applications from the nations largest population of immigrants in the country illegally. May 22, 2018 as of january 1, 2015, undocumented immigrants have been able to get a drivers license in california. Undocumented immigrants begin applying for california.
California, which at 22 percent has the nations largest percentage of undocumented immigrants eligible for driver s licenses, is one of 12 states in the u. Apr 05, 2018 in 2015 alone, around 605,000 undocumented immigrants received licenses an average of about 50,000 per month. Jan 01, 2015 california is about to start issuing drivers licenses to undocumented migrants, a major step in the campaign to legalise the status of more than a million people in the state. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license under ab 60. California opens drivers license applications to illegal. Undocumented immigrants drive under different rules around. In the long term you can also buy a house although this has changed long after the economic crisis.
Undocumented migrants in california begin road to getting drivers. Ab60 allows undocumented immigrants to get a drivers license. California is one of 10 states that now provide licenses to immigrants in the country illegally. Over half of new california drivers licenses go to. Driver license applicants under ab 60 must meet all other qualifications for licensure. Jerry brown signed assembly bill 60, the safe and responsible.
Drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants reduced. Hundreds of new laws will go into effect in california throughout the year in 2015, including one that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license starting friday. Driver license information california department of motor. Undocumented immigrants can still get a ca drivers license. Mar 29, 2019 under assembly bill 60 and section 12801. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers. Californias drivers license for the undocumented carries. By law, no one may discriminate against a holder of an. Aug 09, 2016 so last year, californias legislature passed assembly bill 60 ab60, creating a procedure by which undocumented immigrants can get an official ca drivers license. After approximately 20 years california is again allowing residents of the state with no immigration status to apply for a drivers license. In the state of california, obtaining a driver s license did not require proof of legal presence since the early 1990s. More than one million immigrants in the country illegally have. Driver license information california department of.
More than a million people are expected to apply for drivers licenses. Jul 22, 2015 california department of motor vehicles, dmv issues nearly 400thousand driver licenses under ab 60, july 17, 2015 california department of motor vehicles, nearly 500,000 apply for licenses under. California driver licenses given to 800,000 undocumented immigrants. Assembly bill 60, which took effect in january 2015, requires the dmv to issue drivers licenses if applicants can prove their identity and california residency, as well as meet all testing. California prepares for flood of undocumented immigrant. Undocumented immigrants in california will be able to apply for a drivers license starting jan. Can an undocumented person in california get a drivers. Youll need to submit proof of identity and residency, plus an individual taxpayer identification number, as well as sign specific affidavits and pass the knowledge and road tests. Undocumented immigrants can lawfully drive in california with an ab 60 license. Statutes of 20 requires the department to issue an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states. Jul 17, 2015 the counter is filled with driver s license applicants at the dmv office on senter road in san jose, calif. Apart from being a document that allows you to legally handle, you can be properly identified. Jul 26, 2017 miguel ayala waits with his son, jesus, and other immigrants to register for a drivers license at a california department of motor vehicles office in stanton, calif.
The california department of motor vehicles expected some 1. California issued some 605,000 new drivers licenses last year to. In programs first year, nearly half of californias drivers licenses. The safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Federal authorities have rejected californias proposed design for a drivers license for immigrants in the u. Illegal immigrants have been legally allowed to obtain drivers licenses in the state since jan. California grants drivers licenses to 605,000 undocumented. California is about to start issuing drivers licenses to undocumented migrants, a major step in the campaign to legalise the status of more than a million people in the state. As of january 1, 2015, undocumented immigrants have been able to get a drivers license in california. A drivers license grants permission to legally operate a vehicle, and can be used as a valid form of identification.
Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united. Federal authorities have rejected california s proposed design for a driver s license for immigrants in the u. Drivers licenses for undocumented california residents. In programs first year, nearly half of californias.
California state assembly member luis alejo, with help from gov. Two years later, california explicitly committed to require proof of license to state issued drivers licenses by passing senate bill 976. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, faqs, vehicle information, boats, vessel, and field offices. Politifact more than half of california drivers licenses. In january 2015, after a twentyyear community campaign, access to drivers licenses became a reality for undocumented people in california. This law allows individuals to qualify for a drivers. Over 1 million undocumented immigrants have drivers. California has begun accepting driver s license applications. The passage of californias assembly bill 60 allowed undocumented immigrants to pursue drivers licenses beginning on january 2 of 2015. Undocumented immigrants in california can now drive legally under a new state law. Assembly bill 60, which took effect in january 2015, requires the dmv to issue driver s licenses if applicants can prove their identity and california residency, as well as meet all testing. Dmv ab 60 statistics for november 2015 december 17, 2015. How to get a driver license for undocumented immigrants.
So last year, californias legislature passed assembly bill 60 ab60, creating a procedure by which undocumented immigrants can get an official ca drivers license. Lets take a look at what it takes to get a license and what that license allows. The last time we checked on californias new rules for issuing drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, the department of motor vehicles was so overwhelmed with requests for new licenses that it can take up to three months to get an appointmenteven for lawful citizens. Jan 01, 2015 hundreds of new laws will go into effect in california throughout the year in 2015, including one that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license starting friday. California issues 650,000 drivers licenses to undocumented. These driver s licenses may not be used for identification purposes. California dmv has been preparing for and is expecting a big wave of applicants starting january 2nd. The states dmv issued 76,000 drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants through jan. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers license in. Applicants will first be issued a drivers permit and then a license.
Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united states wikipedia. The bill, also known as assembly bill 60, was signed into law by. New california law gives undocumented immigrants drivers. These drivers licenses may not be used for identification purposes. Starting january 1, 2015, this makes it possible for undocumented immigrants to apply for, and receive, a ca driver license as long as they can show satisfactory proof of identity and california residency and pass the required tests. Ad today is 1st day undocumented immigrants can apply for a ca drivers license. After eight years in the united states, today is the first time he has been able to apply for a california drivers license. An ab60 license allows an undocumented immigrant to.
California department of motor vehicles, dmv issues nearly 400thousand driver licenses under ab 60, july 17, 2015 california department of motor vehicles, nearly 500,000 apply for licenses under. As of january 2015, california residents who cannot establish legal presence in the united states may apply for a driver s license if they can show eligible proof of identification and residency in the state. Jul 17, 2015 more than half of the drivers licenses california has issued in 2015 have gone to residents living in the country illegally, reflecting the success of a new law extending licenses to people. Apr 04, 2018 illegal immigrants have been legally allowed to obtain driver s licenses in the state since jan. Undocumented immigrants eligible for drivers licenses by 2015. In 2015 alone, around 605,000 undocumented immigrants received licenses an average of about 50,000 per month. Adilene sanchez, who now has a california drivers license under ab 60, drives with daughter, kamila fierro, 17 months, in san jose, calif. California effort to issue drivers licenses to immigrants receives. Known as an ab 60 license, it is available from the california dmv without a social security number to immigrants who can prove they are california residents. California begins issuing drivers licenses regardless of.
More than half of the drivers licenses california has issued in 2015 have gone to residents living in the country illegally, reflecting the success of a new law extending licenses to people. By the end of 2015, the dmv had issued 605,000 licenses under the law. Undocumented immigrants apply for drivers licenses in california. Ab60 removes the condition of proving lawful presence in the u. With a drivers license, the undocumented can also buy or rent a car. Applicants should read the california driver handbook, which is available for download in ten languages, as well as at local dmv field offices. For the first time since 1993, undocumented workers will be able to obtain a drivers license in the state of california through californias assembly bill 60 ab60. New california laws in 2015 include drivers licenses for. California driver license for undocumented immigrants. The california department of motor vehicles dmv expects a. This bill would require the department to issue an original drivers license to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicants presence in the united states is authorized under federal law if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure and provides satisfactory proof to the department of his or her identity and california residency. The ab 60 law did not take effect until the beginning of 2015.
In all, undocumented drivers accounted for slightly less than half of all. Undocumented migrants in california begin road to getting. Access to drivers licenses national immigration law center. California, which at 22 percent has the nations largest percentage of undocumented immigrants eligible for drivers licenses, is one of 12 states in the u. Undocumented immigrants begin applying for california driver. Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united states. Some 605,000 undocumented immigrants who live in california were granted drivers licenses in 2015, the first year they have been able to enjoy that benefit, officials said monday. About 830,000 undocumented applicants have sought the states driver s licenses since jan. Therefore, you can get a driver s license even if you are an undocumented californian. Ab 60 drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Colorado drivers licenses for undocumented residents. As of january 1, 2015, undocumented immigrants have been able to. Colorado now provides drivers licenses and id cards to undocumented residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the united states. How to get a california ab 60 driver license citizenpath.
In january 2015, after a twentyyear community campaign, access to driver s licenses became a reality for undocumented people in california. When california began issuing drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. California drivers licenses for undocumented workers. How to get a drivers license as an undocumented californian. Jerry brown signed a law thursday that will allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses in his state. The air force did not mention ab 60 drivers licenses, stating that. California opens driver s license applications to illegal immigrants.
Drivers licenses for undocumented california residents ab. California drivers license program for those here illegally. More than a million illegal immigrants scored california. Jerry brown, created the safe and responsible drivers act. Undocumented immigrants apply for drivers licenses in. Over 1 million undocumented immigrants have drivers licenses. Ab60 finally took effect in januaryand the response has been overwhelming jean shiomoto, who directs the california dmv, says the agency expected about half. California has begun accepting drivers license applications. Miguel ayala waits with his son, jesus, and other immigrants to register for a drivers license at a california department of motor vehicles office in stanton, calif. California drivers license for undocumented residents. California on friday will start taking driver s license applications from the nations largest population of immigrants in the country illegally. However, california blocked off this access in 1991, by asking all driver license applicants to provide proof of citizenship.