Issuance of identification cards and operator licenses to undocumented persons. (FE)

Under current law, an applicant for a driver's license or identification card, regardless of whether it is REAL ID compliant or REAL ID noncompliant, must provide to DOT 1) an identification document that includes either the applicant's photograph or both the applicant's full legal name and date of birth; 2) documentation, which may be the same as item 1, above, showing the applicant's date of birth; 3) proof of the applicant's social security number or verification that the applicant is not eligible for a social security number; 4) documentation showing the applicant's name and address of principal residence; and 5) documentary proof that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States.

However, in processing an application for a REAL ID noncompliant driver's license or identification card, DOT is not required to meet the standards for document retention and verification that are imposed for REAL ID compliant products.

Under the bill, an applicant for a REAL ID noncompliant driver's license or identification card (noncompliant REAL ID) is not required to provide documentary proof that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States. Also, an applicant may, in lieu of item 1 above, provide an individual taxpayer identification number, a foreign passport, or any other documentation deemed acceptable to the department and, in lieu of items 2 and 4 above, provide documentation deemed acceptable to the department. If the applicant does not have a social security number, the applicant is required to provide verification only that he or she does not have one, rather than verification that he or she is not eligible for one. In processing an application for, and issuing or renewing, a noncompliant REAL ID, DOT may not include any question or require any proof or documentation as to whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States. The bill does not change any current law requirements related to driver qualifications such as minimum age or successful completion of knowledge and driving skills tests.

Under current law, most driver's licenses issued by DOT are issued for an initial two-year period and must be renewed every eight years thereafter. In general, an applicant for renewal of a driver's license must pass an eyesight test and have his or her photograph taken with each renewal. Most identification cards issued by DOT are issued for an initial period of eight years and are renewable for eight-year periods thereafter, and applicants, generally, must have their photograph taken with each renewal.

Under the bill, an applicant for a noncompliant REAL ID who does not provide a social security number is issued a noncompliant REAL ID that displays, on its face, the words “Not valid for voting purposes. Not evidence of citizenship or immigration status." and that has a four-year renewal period rather than an eight-year renewal period. With each renewal, DOT has discretion whether or not to take a new photograph and, for a driver's license, give an eyesight test. However, DOT must take a new photograph and, for a driver's license, give an eyesight test at least once every eight years.

With limited exceptions, DOT may not disclose social security numbers obtained from operator's license or identification card applicants. This bill prohibits DOT from disclosing the fact that an applicant has verified to DOT that the applicant does not have a social security number, except that DOT may disclose this information to the Elections Commission.

The bill also prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person's status as a holder or a nonholder of a noncompliant REAL ID, adding this license status as a prohibited basis for discrimination in employment, housing, and the equal enjoyment of a public place of accommodation or amusement.