California would become the latest state to grant immigrants who are in the country illegally the right to a drivers license under a bill that passed the legislature late. In california, research linked its license law to a sharp decline in hitandrun. The following steps will assist individuals who are unable to submit satisfactory. What you need to know about california realid drivers. One key question is what the new license will look like. Dmv, undocumented immigrants anticipating new drivers. But with the passage of ab60, california became one of 10 states, in addition to the district of columbia, where undocumented immigrants can obtain a license. What will californias new illegal licenses look like. Applying for an ab 60 drivers license know your rights. Dec 30, 2014 the safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Dec 29, 2014 ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what to look out for.
The tension between ab60 driver licenses and form 19. With the signage of ab60, californians like mary flores, as well call her, came one step closer to gaining tangible independence. California ids need to meet federal tsa requirements at airports. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers license. Must those who want a real id license apply right away. The national conference of state legislatures also assisted and found nothing. The california driver s license under ab60 is meant to be used for driving purposes only. What you need to know about california realid drivers licenses. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, faqs, vehicle information, boats, vessel, and field offices. 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. However, california blocked off this access in 1991, by asking all driver license applicants to provide proof of citizenship.
The drive california coalition is a statewide coalition of immigrants rights advocates, communitybased organizations, service providers, faithbased organizations and workers rights advocates. Ab 60 licenses will look different than other driver licenses. Its time to drive california forward the drive california coalition is a statewide coalition of immigrants rights advocates, communitybased organizations, service providers, faithbased organizations and workers rights advocates. California ballot initiative to reverse sanctuary state. Governor brown signed ab 60 into law in 20, which directs the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a drivers license to any california resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration. Ab 60 drivers licenses are available since january 2nd, 2015. Your rights with an ab 60 drivers license your ab 60 drivers license is a valid california driver s license. In january 2015, undocumented workers will have their first opportunity to obtain california drivers licenses thanks to the passage of assembly bill 60 by the state legislature on september 12, 20. The colorado driver license, which specifies not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes. If you or someone you know has an ab 60 license, here are some key points. There are currently around 28 million residents with a california drivers license and id. Applying for a california drivers license under ab 60 aclu. New law would limit access to drivers license records of.
Jul 17, 2015 california has begun accepting driver s license applications from immigrants who are in the country illegally under ab60 which came into effect today. You may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 driver s license as legal identification in certain situations applying for an ab 60 driver s license know your rights. Applying for a drivers license in ca, after entering the us. It is valid for all purposes, except international travel.
Ab60 removes the condition of proving lawful presence in the u. The bill allows drivers licenses for undocumented workers for the first time since 1993. Federal law requires the california department of motor vehicles dmv to provide customers the opportunity to register to vote while completing a driver license dl or identification id card or change of address transaction. What your ca drivers license looks like california dmv. Because the ab 60 driver s license is inconsistent with the federal real id act, which. You probably need a new california driver s license. Should undocumented immigrants apply for an ab 60 driver s license in california. California dmv prepares for undocumented residents applying. A california drivers license looks similar to many other state drivers licenses.
Your ab 60 license is a valid california drivers license. Thats when assembly bill 60, or the safe and responsible drivers act, goes into. Because the federal real id act imposes certain requirements, including legal presence document requirements, on a driver s license or id to be considered a valid id for federal purposes including boarding airplanes, entering federal buildings, e. It cannot be used as proof of identification in any way. Starting january 1st, 2015 ab 60 drivers licenses will be available for. However, if in the future you are granted a status that allows you to work, you will be able to use the drivers license as proof of identity along with a valid work authorization document, when you complete the i9 form.
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 safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Governor brown signed ab 60 into law in 20, which directs the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a driver s license to any california resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration. Sacramento the california dmv is preparing for roughly 1. Jerry brown signs into law ab 60, allowing undocumented immigrants to legally apply for driver s licenses in california by 2015. That means anyone reading it will have a pretty good idea that you are not a u.
A driver s license or identification card is the primary identification document in california. Ab 60 driver s license frequently asked questions april 2015 what is an ab 60 license and how can i use it. Ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what. Why my ca driving license says federal limits apply. Each ab60 california driver license bears the message at the top right. While california officials are hashing out the details of what documents immigrants in the country illegally will need to obtain a drivers license, some are questioning whether they should even apply for one. Frequently asked questions california secretary of state. Two years later, california explicitly committed to require proof of license to state issued driver s licenses by passing senate bill 976. Undocumented immigrants can lawfully drive in california with an ab 60 license.
The safe and responsible drive act ab 60 came into effect on january 2, 2015, and allows all eligible californians to apply for a drivers license, regardless of immigration status. As of january 2015, any eligible california resident can receive a drivers license, regardless of their immigration status. The law has spurred undocumented immigrants across the state of. Most importantly for travelers, you will now be given the option when renewing to get a standard id or one that is. This is what a california real id drivers license will look like. California highway patrol, sheriff, or police officers. California lawmakers approve drivers licenses for illegal. Ab 60 california drivers licenses for undocumented residents. Dec 23, 2014 california dmv prepares for undocumented residents applying for licenses the state is expecting 1. Ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what to look out for.
The california dmv does not collect any data specific to daca recipients and does not identify daca. What does a california drivers license look like answers. New law would limit access to driver s license records of undocumented immigrants the proposed legislation was in response to reporting from nbc 7. What an undocumented persons california driver s license will look like. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers. California allows undocumented immigrants to apply for and obtain a driver s license, known as an ab 60 license. The california dmv does not collect any data specific to daca recipients and does not identify daca recipients. Legal topic of the week ab60 drivers license youtube. If a license says federal limits apply, then the holders identity has not been verified to federal standards under the real id act of 2005 for example, a verified complete chain of name changes since birth. Siemon center helps immigrants secure drivers licenses new.
Jan 20, 2015 for this reason, it is very useful to know what ab 60 license holders rights are when they come into contact with state and local law enforcement i. Trump presidency may dampen immigrants drivers license. The dmv will continue to release these implementation statistics on a weekly basis. In the photo, morning commuters travel the 210 freeway between. Every year, the california department of motor vehicles issues about 9 million driver s licenses and identification cards. This article explains californias law referred to as ab 60, passed in 20 on getting a drivers license if you are an. The federally compliant license can be used to board a domestic flight beginning in 2020. You may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 driver s license as legal identification in certain situations applying for an ab 60 driver s license. In programs first year, nearly half of californias. The safe and responsible drive act ab 60 came into effect on january 2, 2015, and allows all eligible californians to apply for a driver s license, regardless of immigration status. A drivers license does not give you the right to work as an employee. If you present your ab 60 license in a state other than california. Oct 06, 2010 your california drivers license is getting a new look and even a new feel.
Ab 60 driver licenses siren services, immigrant rights. It will also state on the back not acceptable for official federal purposes. Undocumented immigrants drive under different rules around the country. Our california criminal and immigration lawyers explain all undocumented aliens need to know about ca driver. You may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 drivers license as legal identification in certain situations. New look for california drivers licenses and id cards the. Resources useful resources in english and spanish to prepare. Ca real id vs federal limits apply id why its important to. Jan 07, 2016 but with the passage of ab 60, california became one of 10 states, in addition to the district of colombia, where undocumented immigrants can obtain a license. Home trending history get youtube premium get youtube tv best of youtube music sports gaming movies tv shows news live. Ca law officers may not arrest or discriminate against a driver who shows them this form of identification. Jul 10, 2018 proponents of a measure that would repeal californias sanctuary state law and reverse another law that allows undocumented immigrants in california to get a drivers license have been. California s department of motor vehicles dmv has recently been hit with a wave of new applicants thanks to ab 60, a recentlypassed piece of legislature that will allow illegal immigrants living in california to test for and receive a stateissued, legally valid driver s license, effective only in the state of california. An ab60 license allows an undocumented immigrant to.
The coalition is committed to successful implementation of ab 60 and drivers licenses for all. 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. Beginning january 1, 2015, the california dmv is implementing new driver s licenses to accommodate foreigners who are in the u. Ca real id vs federal limits apply id why its important. Drivers licenses for undocumented california residents ab. A california issued real id driver license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a gold bear and star. Aug 22, 2014 what does a california drivers license look like. Should undocumented immigrants apply for an ab 60 drivers.
Next month, dmv will also release additional summary statistics for the month of january. How to sign up for the new california real id and avoid being duped into getting issued the federal limits apply california drivers license. Undocumented immigrants fear ice is obtaining their home. Ab 60 drivers license holders aclu of southern california. Approximate number of ab 60 driver license exams written or behindthewheel administered last week. Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united.
Why does dmv have to check your legal presence status in. Jan 22, 2018 she added that ab 60 license applicants information will not be shared with the federal government. Ab 60 means that our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and neighbors will be able to drive without fear of having their cars impounded, being ticketed or left stranded by the side of the road. For details, see the ab 60 driver license page of the california dmv website. Assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new drivers license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. How does this affect ab 60 drivers license holders. Starting january 22, all driver s licenses in california will sport a new look. Can an undocumented person in california get a drivers license. If you present your ab 60 license in a state other than california, you may be at risk depending on the laws and policies of that state. 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. Ab 60 drivers license frequently asked questions april 2015 what is an ab 60 license and how can i use it. California drivers license information for undocumented residents. California assembly bill 60 ab60 is a bill passed into law that, in effect, allows undocumented immigrants to the united states to apply for a california driver s license with the ca department of motor vehicles dmv. Federal real id act, which requires in part that all state dmvs across the country must conduct an immigration check valid ssn prior to issuance of an official driver s license.
Ab 60 california drivers licenses for undocumented. Your rights with an ab 60 drivers license aclu of san. Federal authorities have rejected california s proposed design for a driver s license for immigrants in the u. Ab 60 is a new state law that allows immigrants living in california to get a drivers license. What exactly the differences will be are still being determined because the dmvs proposed license designs need to be approved by the department of homeland security dhs. Undocumented immigrant shares how ab60 driver s license has changed his life. How to get a california ab 60 driver license citizenpath. This is what a california real id driver s license will look like. Undocumented immigrants can obtain drivers licenses. Starting on january 1, 2015, you can apply for an ab 60 drivers license, even if you do not have proof of legal presence in the united states. Of course these are not undercover ice agents looking to arrest people. Undocumented immigrants fear ice is obtaining their home address from ab60 licenses when california passed a law creating a driver s license for undocumented residents, applicants were told.
It means federal officials and out of state local law enforcement agencies are not obligated to accept your drivers license as a form of. California design of drivers license for immigrants. This includes all immigrants, with any immigration status. Feb 05, 2015 silver lake the crush of undocumented immigrants applying for a new drivers license has led to longer lines at many dmv offices in california.
Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers law. The following steps will assist individuals who are unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states in determining the appropriate documents necessary to obtain a california driver license pursuant to assembly bill ab 60. Assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new driver s license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. Ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what to. In the state of california, obtaining a driver s license did not require proof of legal presence since the early 1990s. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license under ab 60. One important thing to note is that ab 60 licenses look slightly different than. May 22, 2018 as of january 1, 2015, undocumented immigrants have been able to get a drivers license in california. An applicant who doesnt have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature. Undocumented immigrant says california drivers license has. In programs first year, nearly half of californias drivers.
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 driver s license information for undocumented residents. The bill was recently signed by governor jerry brown and. Uses the initials dp drivers privilege instead of dl drivers license in the license. Seusss the sneetches and allow only those with starred. What you need to know about california realid driver s licenses this is what a california real id driver s license will look like. For a free evaluation of your case give us a call at 5104881020 or visit the following website.
But some people may feel uncomfortable getting the look or whatever, its just a fair warning. The federally compliant license can be used to board a. Should undocumented immigrants apply for an ab 60 drivers license in california. Can an undocumented person in california get a drivers. What you need to know about california realid driver s licenses. Your california driver s license will bear the notation federal limits apply. Local and state law enforcement must accept your ab 60 license just as they. The ab 60 drivers license will have a visible distinguishing feature on the front. Dmv confirms ice has limited access to ab 60 license information. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers license in. In the first such change since 2001, the department of motor vehicles on wednesday unveiled new licenses and.
Undocumented immigrants drive under different rules around. The license will carry a distinguishing mark indicating that it is an ab60 license, as well as a message explaining that it is a drivingonly license. Assuming people dont go everywhere with their passports, your driver license is what you show. California passed assembly bill 60 ab60 which allows the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a driver s license to any person.