NEW YORK AUTO SCHOOL
  • + Driving School
    • Driving School Locations ▻ >
      • White Plains, NY 10601
      • Eastchester, NY 10709
      • Manhattan, NY 10017
    • Price List 2022 ▻
    • Getting a Drivers License
    • Drivers from other Nations
    • Contact Us ▻
  • DRIVING LESSONS
  • Road Test ▻

Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
​
The Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, commonly called the 'Green Light law', was enacted on June 17, 2019, and takes effect on December 16, 2019.  It allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not for a federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.

REQUIREMENTS
​
Documents you will need to apply
All Applicants for a standard driver license must show a combination of documents to prove:
1. Name
2. date of birth
3. New York State residency.

Picture

DOCUMENTS YOU NEED
In addition to the combination of proofs we currently accept, beginning December 16, 2019, we will also accept
  • a valid, unexpired foreign passport issued by your country of citizenship
  • a valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate
  • a valid foreign driver license that includes your photo, and which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
  • Permanent Resident Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
  • Employment Authorization Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
  • Border Crossing Card
  • U.S. Municipal ID Card (e.g. NYC ID) with photo
  • foreign marriage or divorce record or court issued name change decree
  • foreign birth certificate
Picture

FAQ
Answer to question 0
1. WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE?
Beginning December 16, 2019, New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not for a federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE?
The process to obtain a driver’s license does not change. You must apply for a learner’s permit, take the pre-licensing course and take a driving test.
HOW MUCH IS IT TO OBTAIN A DRIVER’S LICENSE?
The fees to apply for a driver’s license or permit range between $64.50 and $107.50 and can be paid by cash, check or credit/debit card.
CAN I APPLY A COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
You can only apply for a non-commercial license under this law. ​
CAN I APPLY FOR A NON-DRIVER ID?
The Green Light Law does not apply to Non-Driver ID cards.
WITH THIS NEW LAW, CAN I APPLY FOR A “REAL ID”?
If you do not have proof that you have a Social Security Number, been issued a Social Security Ineligibility Letter by the Social Security Administration or have proof of your lawful status in the US, your standard driver license will not comply with the federal REAL ID Act. In accordance with the law, all licenses that do not meet REAL ID standards are marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”  This also means, after October 1, 2020, you cannot use your license to board a domestic flight (within the United States) or enter some secure federal buildings.
DO I NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?
Under the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, driver license applicants who have never been issued a Social Security Number are eligible to apply.You must sign an Affidavit (sworn statement) of never having been issued a Social Security Number when you apply for a standard driver license
WILL MY NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE HAVE ANY MARKERS OF MY LEGAL STATUS?
All standard New York State driver licenses look the same regardless of the proof documents you provide when you apply.  All standard driver licenses will be marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES". ​
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE DMV USES MY INFORMATION AGAINST ME?
The law provides a number of privacy protections that limit data sharing, including with agencies that primarily enforce immigration laws, and requires disclosure to the license holders when immigration enforcement agencies request data from DMV.
CAN I APPLY TO BECOME A US CITIZEN WITH THIS DRIVER’S LICENSE?
This law relates only to driving privileges in New York State.  It does not provide a pathway to citizenship for applicants who are not already US citizens
IS THIS NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE VALID TO VOTE?
This law does not change your eligibility to register to vote in New York. Only US citizens are eligible to register to vote.
WITH THIS NEW LAW, CAN I RENEW MY OLD DRIVER’S LICENSE OR LEARNER’S PERMIT?
If you have a New York State driver license that is expired less than two years, you may be eligible to renew.  See additional information about renewing a driver license. If you obtained your license without showing proof of a Social Security Number, and you need to renew or replace it, you will need to do so by mail or in person at a DMV office.  DMV online services require the user to have a social security number on file.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO OBTAIN MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?
Hotline: 1-800-566-7636 The New York State New Americans Hotline is a toll-free, multi-lingual hotline that can assist DMV customers with any immigration-related issues or discrimination they experience at a DMV office.  The hotline provides live assistance in more than 200 languages. Anyone can call the hotline for information and referrals, regardless of citizenship or documented status. Calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous.
STEPS TO GET A DRIVERS LICENSE
STEP # 1
GET A LEARNER'S PERMIT
DOCUMENT GUIDE
DRIVERS BOOK AND PRACTICE TEST
MAKE A DMV RESERVATION

STEP # 2
TAKE THE PRE-LICENSING 5 HOUR CLASS
CLASS IN WHITE PLAINS
CLASS IN EASTCHESTER
CLASS IN MANHATTAN

STEP # 3
TAKE THE ROAD TEST
SCHEDULE ROAD TEST

NEW YORK AUTO SCHOOL
OUR COMPANY
New York Auto School
427 White Plains Rd
​Eastchester, NY 10709

​Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

​
SERVICES
Driving Lessons
Road Test Car Service
Defensive Driving
​Motorcycle Road Test
​
Become a Driving Instructor
SUPPORT
Contact Us
☎︎ (800) 798-3818
🇪🇸 ESPAÑOL
DISCLAIMER: All the information about regulation published in this website is intended to help its dissemination. Regulatory information may change at any time by state and local government agencies. For the latest official changes, please refer to the appropriate agency. We provide general information, not legal advice. We accept no responsibility or liability for any claims, damages or losses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) caused to you as a result of your use of newyorkautoschool.com or any actions generated from such use.
Copyright © 2022 New York Auto School, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Photos used under Creative Commons from Brian Travelling John Brighenti
  • + Driving School
    • Driving School Locations ▻ >
      • White Plains, NY 10601
      • Eastchester, NY 10709
      • Manhattan, NY 10017
    • Price List 2022 ▻
    • Getting a Drivers License
    • Drivers from other Nations
    • Contact Us ▻
  • DRIVING LESSONS
  • Road Test ▻