Massachusetts House of Representatives Passes Bill to Allow Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

On February 16, 2022, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passes a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses.  The bill passed in the house by a 120-36 vote, and still requires approval by the State Senate, before being sent to the governor for signature.

The bill requires individuals provide documentation license including proof of their identity, residency in the state and date of birth. The new rules would apply to those who do not have proof they are in the country legally, including those not eligible for a Social Security number. Applicants must present at least two documents. The first must be either a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification.

A second kind of identification could include an unexpired driver’s license from any US state or territory, a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or foreign driver’s license, or a marriage certificate issued in Massachusetts. At least one document must contain a photograph. The bill also states that immigrants eligible for the driver’s licenses would not be registered to vote. Legislators have also stated that measures will be taken to ensure that the information provided by applicants will not be used to profile, target or report a person to immigration authorities.  If the measure passes, licenses will not be available until July 1, 2023.