Undocumented immigrants would be lucky if they were in the 11 states that give licenses to illegal immigrants as they would have driving privileges, which is better than no privileges at all. It has been estimated by the US Department of Homeland Security that at least “11.4 million illegal immigrants” were in the country in 2012. This number has declined from its peak of 12 million in 2007. With a big chunk of these immigrants being Catholics, it might be best if they reside in one of the 20 most religious cities in the United States which is located in one of the states that give licenses to illegal immigrants. Win-Win situation!
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Because these immigrants lack proper documentation, they do not have social security number and hence, cannot apply for state benefits or other benefits enjoyed by other properly-documented immigrants. Hence, these states that give licenses to illegal immigrants can only give out driver’s licenses. Besides driving, illegal immigrants cannot have any other license.
Insider Monkey searched the web for a list of states that give licenses to illegal immigrants, and we’ve found a number of websites that gave us this information. The New York Times, ImmigrationProCon provided us with the data that we needed. We arranged the states on our list starting with the state that has most recently allowed illegal immigrants to apply for driving licenses to come to the state that has been the first one to do it (only counting date of effectivity). As of December 26, 2015, there are only 11 states that give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and the National Conference for State Legislature has listed two additional states which have passed laws granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants – Delaware and Hawaii – effective on December 27, 2015 and January 1, 2016, respectively.
11. California
Date of Effectivity: January 1, 2015
In California, if an immigrant cannot present any valid proof of legal residency, then his/her drivers license will have a “special mark” to differentiate it from licenses of legal residents. Therefore, these licenses cannot be used as identification.
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10. Connecticut
Date of Effectivity: January 1, 2015
The law provides that any individual who can show proof of identity and residency in Connecticut may be issued a driver’s license as long as they sign an affidavit stating that they will file an application to legalize their residence.
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9. Colorado
Date of Effectivity: August 1, 2014
Undocumented immigrants can be issued driver’s licenses as long as they can show proof of Colorado residency of at least 24 months, can show proof of state residency and have filed state income taxes for the previous year.
8. District of Columbia
Date of Effectivity: May 1, 2014
Driver’s licenses are valid for eight years for undocumented immigrants as long as they can show proof of DC residency for more than six months and can show proof of identity.
7. Maryland
Date of Effectivity: January 1, 2014
A driver’s license can be issued to undocumented immigrants as long as they have filed tax returns with the State or someone who has filed state tax returns for the past 2 years has claimed them as their dependent.
6. Nevada
Date of Effectivity: January 1, 2014
As long as you can prove your identity, age and state residency, you can be issued a driver’s license, which will be valid for only a year.
5. Vermont
Date of Effectivity: January 1, 2014
Individuals must prove that they are residents of Vermont, and can provide documentation that will prove their identity such as a passport, birth certificate of consular information.
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4. Illinois
Date of Effectivity: November 28, 2013
If you live in Illinois for at least a year and can show proof of identification, then you can apply for a driver’s license in this state.
3. Utah
Date of Effectivity: March 8, 2005
In Utah, as long as you can prove state residency, then you’re good to go!
2. New Mexico
Date of Effectivity: 2003
“Regardless of immigration status”, an individual can obtain a driver’s license as long as they can provide the state with a tax identification number.
1. Washington
Date of Effectivity: July 25, 1993
If you can prove that you are indeed a resident of Washington by providing utility bills, school transcripts, car titles or other documentation with your name, then you may apply for a driver’s license. Among all states that give licenses to illegal immigrants now, Washington was the first one.
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