How To Obtain Driver's Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants In New York?

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

New York State will make the dreams of thousands of undocumented immigrants come true just before Christmas by giving them the opportunity to obtain a state driver's license.

Although the offices of the Department of Motors and Vehicles (DMV) will be closed on the day that this new regulation takes effect - tomorrow, Saturday, December 14 - it is expected that on Monday, 16, people can already apply for a driver's license from New York without having to prove their immigration status in the country.

Among the requirements they will have to fulfill: present a valid passport from their country of origin and a valid or expired foreign driver's license in the last 24 months and present identification documents provided by a foreign consulate.

In addition, those interested will have to pass a written and practical exam, take a driving course and demonstrate that they have lived in New York for a minimum of three months. They will also have to pay for car insurance, open a bank account and rent a home, among other things.

With this new law that takes effect tomorrow, New York joins the District of Columbia and these 13 states where undocumented people can apply for driver's licenses: Connecticut, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Delaware, Utah, Vermont and Washington.