California: Driver's Licenses

Overview
The state currently requires an applicant for a driver’s license to provide a Social Security Number and proof of federally-authorized lawful presence.

California’s driver’s license law is inadequate. It overlooks the composition of California’s population, obstructs DMV’s ability to fulfill its mandate, and is detrimental to public safety by increasing the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers on the road. Current law leads to unintended negative effects on community policing in which immigrants may be afraid or less inclined to cooperate with police due to their own or their families immigration status. Consequently, thousands of immigrants are prevented from accessing a driver’s license.

NCLR Position
NCLR believes that driver’s licenses should serve as proof of an individual’s authorization to operate a motor vehicle and proof of identity. However, NCLR does not support legislation that ties obtaining a driver’s license to immigration status or a process that requires Departments of Motor Vehicles to be responsible for making immigrant eligibility determinations. NCLR urges you to work with advocates to advance public safety and national security, and uphold civil and immigrant rights to make sure that all California residents are eligible to obtain a driver’s license only if they pass the driving and written tests, submit proof of identity, and comply with all other licensing requirements.

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