Undocumented immigrants, including farmworkers, are ineligible for driver’s licenses in New York State. However, many still need to drive to work and are therefore on the roads without licenses or insurance. The goal of this project is to examine the impact of the proposed New York State bill that supports a “nonconforming driver’s license.” This bill, if passed, would allow one to drive but would not be acceptable as federal identification (per the Real ID Act of 2005). The research studied similar programs in other states, examined various pieces of legislation within New York, and probed New York-specific concerns involving driver’s licenses. The final report is being distributed to New York State legislators and others. Additional copies are available on request.

Driver’s License Report Executive Summary

Read Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants: Policy Considerations for New York State. This issue of the Rural New York Minute highlights research conducted to determine the thoughts and concerns of farmworkers and NYS residents about the potential of driver’s licenses being offered to undocumented immigrants.