What's happening
This bill allows individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program without Social Security numbers to obtain New York driver's licenses if otherwise qualified.
Why it matters
Expands access to mobility and employment. By making it possible for DACA recipients without Social Security numbers to get driver's licenses, the bill can help them access jobs, education, and essential services that require reliable transportation, potentially improving their economic and social integration.
Clarifies documentation standards. The bill establishes that federal documents related to DACA status are sufficient as proof of identity, bringing clarity and consistency for both applicants and licensing officials, and reducing barriers caused by ambiguity or inconsistent requirements.
Addresses public safety and legal compliance. Allowing more residents to obtain licenses through official channels may increase the number of trained, tested, and insured drivers on New York’s roads, which can contribute to greater road safety and accountability.
Signals state-level support for DACA recipients. The measure demonstrates New York’s willingness to use its authority to extend rights and recognitions to immigrants with federal protections, which may influence broader debates on immigrant inclusion and state-federal relations.
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Who cares
Headline styles
DACA IDs for Licenses
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2291
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 17, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to proof of identity requirements for the issuance of a driver's license
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 502-b to read as follows:
§ 502-b. Proof of identity; childhood arrivals program. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an applicant for a driver's license who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver's license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.
2. Any federal document demonstrating favorable action by the federal government for acceptance of a person into the deferred action for childhood arrivals program shall satisfy the eligibility requirements of subdivision one of this section with respect to proof of identity.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07733-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.