

This can eliminate the need for officers to handle other identification documents, such as birth certificates or passports, which may not be readily available or may need to be translated into English. Law enforcement officers may use driver’s licenses or state IDs to identify individuals they encounter.
GENERATE FL DRIVERS LICENSE LICENSE
Allowing all residents to obtain a license or state ID would promote public safety The Department of Homeland Security explained that the cards must clearly state they are not accepted for official purposes and must use a unique design to differentiate them from driver’s licenses and IDs granted to citizens and individuals with lawful presence in the U.S. They cannot be used for official federal purposes, such as entering federal buildings, getting through airport security or voting. These documents may be used for limited activities, such as driving within the state, picking up prescriptions, or even opening a bank account in certain states. The REAL ID Act is the federal law that establishes specific standards and procedures for states to issue driver’s licenses and ID cards to people who are unable to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. Issuing limited-purpose driver’s licenses and state IDs to undocumented immigrants is in line with federal law There are many practical reasons why all 50 states should offer this benefit to residents regardless of immigration status, such as improving road safety, advancing economic growth, and giving residents a chance to live independently and with dignity. Roughly, 37 percent of undocumented residents in the United States live in states where they can obtain a driver’s license or state ID card. Some states such as Delaware and Maryland require, in addition, proof of income tax filing in the state.

The general requirements for undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and IDs include proof of identity, such as a valid foreign passport evidence of residency in the state, for example, a utility bill and the application fee.

The state will begin issuing licenses under this law in January 2021. In addition, Oregon enacted the Equal Access to Road Act in 2019 to eliminate proof of lawful presence as a requirement for a noncommercial driver’s license. Currently, thirteen states and the District of Columbia have made a major investment in highway and public safety by allowing undocumented residents to apply for limited-purpose license and identification documents. However, states regulate who may receive a driver’s license or identification card. Granting immigration status is the job of the federal government.
