ACTION ALERT: Tell the DMV We Need Inclusive Licenses for All!

They’re almost here – driver licenses for all Californians will soon be a reality! Starting January 1, 2015,  more than 1.4 million undocumented immigrants in the state will be able to apply for AB 60 driver licenses. 

In preparation, the DMV has proposed regulations on what the process to apply for these licenses would be – but these regulations need to be revised to make sure that every Californian willing to learn the rules of the road is able to apply. Currently, the proposed identity and residency document requirements are not accessible to many community members, they do not provide any safeguards to keep applicants’ information confidential, and they lack protections to make sure an AB 60 license holder is not treated differently than any other driver. 

Community members have until 5 PM on Monday, June 23 to weigh in with feedback on these regulations. Can you take a few minutes TODAY to send a message to the DMV asking them to make sure the application process is accessible and inclusive for all?

Email LADRegulations@dmv.ca.gov or call (916) 657-6469 with the following message:

I support an inclusive process for immigrants applying for AB 60 licenses. The DMV should do the following:

• Expand the list of documents accepted to prove identity: Allow applicants to submit either a current foreign passport or a consular ID – not both; do not require foreign birth certificates be accompanied by Apostille certification or be translated by consulates; allow additional documents to be accepted, including worker center IDs, baptismal certificates, driver licenses from other states, and documents related to children that list the applicant as a parent.
• Expand the list of documents accepted to prove residency: These include paystubs, insurance documents, personal mail postmarked within the last 30 days, statements from homeless shelters, children’s school records with parent listed, state/local licenses or permits, documents from faith-based organizations, court documents, and emergency Medi-Cal cards.
• Ensure privacy protections: Make sure any documents submitted to the DMV for AB 60 licenses are not shared with other government agencies or outside the DMV; include information how information and documents related to AB 60 applications are stored by the DMV; and provide information on what will be asked during interviews with DMV staff to prove identity.
• Ensure anti-discrimination protections: Include language from the legislation that AB 60 licenses will not be used as a basis for criminal investigation, arrest, or detention.

Want to know more? Click here for a chart of the regulations and recommendations to the DMV.

Being able to legally drive will transform the lives of immigrants and improve safety on the roads for all. The DMV is working fast to meet deadlines before the law goes into effect – they want to hear from us and need to hear from us. Let’s make sure the process is inclusive so everyone can get these licenses.

Want to do more? Join us on Thursday, June 26 for a hearing with the DMV in Oakland to share your comments in person. (Transportation and Spanish translation will be provided.) Email Jeremy Barousse, SIREN’s Community Organizer, at jeremy@siren-bayarea.org by Monday, June 23 to get involved.

Have questions about AB 60? Check out our AB 60 Resource Page which answers frequently asked questions and has resources to prepare applicants for the written test. This page will be updated frequently – so be sure to check back often!