Concerns Over Proposed License Regulations

California is developing regulations for undocumented immigrant driver licenses. But some groups are concerned about what they’ve seen so far. 

A coalition of immigrant rights groups says California needs to keep working on the regulations for undocumented driver licenses. Refugio Mata with Presente.org says there are concerns about the kinds of documents needed to get a license and how undocumented drivers will be treated by law enforcement.

“There shouldn’t be a shadow of a doubt that California’s program will meet community needs when it comes to document requirements, privacy, and anti-discrimination protections," he says.

But Armando Botello with the Department of Motor Vehicles says the regulations are still in draft form and are evolving. He says immigrants should not be worried about privacy.

“Our department makes every effort to insure that all the personal information provided to us is protected," he says. "And the information entrusted to DMV by AB 60 driver licenses applicants will receive the same level of protection as everyone else.” 

Public hearings on the regulations will be held next week in Los Angeles and Oakland.