In Virginia, illegal immigrants will be issued a driver's license

From January 1, 2021, illegal immigrants in Virginia will be able to apply for a special driver's license. Details told the publication NBC Washington.

Photo: Shutterstock

Activists have fought for years to ensure that illegal immigrants in the region can obtain a driver's license. Supporters argued it was a public safety issue, and in March the Democratic-controlled state general assembly passed legislation.

It is estimated that 300 immigrants in the state will benefit from this opportunity.

“I have a lot of friends who wanted it because they have their own cars, but other people had to drive because they themselves were afraid. Now they are happy because they have the right to move freely,” said Sheila Esteban.

To be eligible for a driver's license, an illegal must:

• reside in Virginia;
• report income from sources in Virginia or be listed as a dependent on a tax return filed for the previous 12 months;
• not hold a driver's license that is currently suspended or revoked in Virginia or any other US state.

On the subject: Another U.S. state may start giving illegal drivers a license

To obtain a driving license, an illegal immigrant must provide the following documents:

• two identity documents (for example, a foreign passport and a consular identity document issued by the country of citizenship);
• Two proofs of Virginia residency (such as a monthly mortgage statement and utility bill)
• Social Security Number (if issued) or Taxpayer Identification Number (such as Form W-2 or ITIN);
• tax return documentation (for example, a Virginia resident form, a Virginia incomplete year resident income tax form, or a Virginia non-resident income tax form filed within the last 12 months).

“We are pleased to offer these credentials to give thousands of Virginia taxpayers the opportunity to legally drive on our roadways in a way they previously could not,” commented DMV Division of Motor Vehicle Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb.

The steps for obtaining rights may differ depending on the applicant. Those who wish are required to take an eye test, and some may have to take a driving test.

“Customers who have a driver's license from another country or an expired Virginia license will not be required to take a traffic knowledge test or driving test—they will only need to have their vision tested,” said Elizabeth Ramirez, DMV district manager. .

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Anyone interested in obtaining a driver's license should make an appointment in advance at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at dmvNOW.com/appt. For more information about the ID, go to link.

Once the driver passes all the tests, he will receive his home address license within two weeks. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the certificate will be sent to the judge at the place of residence.

The cost of the license is $ 53. It will need to be renewed every two years.

For those who want to apply, it is important to remember: this is not a Real ID, therefore the document has certain restrictions. They prevent the owner from applying for a commercial driver's license, boarding a plane, or entering federal buildings.

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