|
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 applyAll 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. 
|
DOCUMENTS YOU NEED In addition to the combination of proofs we currently accept, beginning December 16, 2019, we will also accept
|
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.
