Last Updated on March 21, 2013 5:11 pm
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing driver licenses for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children on Monday March, 25. The federal program that qualifies applicants, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, grants work permits that are valid for a limited period, usually for not more than two years. The N.C. Department of Transportation announced it would issue licenses to those qualified under the program following the review and opinion issued by the State Attorney General’s Office.
“This program is about accountability and safety, making our roads safer for all North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. “We have strong support from the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association. Those approved through the DACA process will take driver exams and road tests, as well as provide proof of auto insurance prior to receiving a license.”
Statute requires all temporary licenses to bear a distinguishing mark on the face. This design will allow for ease of implementation as we continue to work toward a next generation secure license for all North Carolina drivers.
A final image of the driver license developed for qualified DACA applicants is attached along with documents required to obtain a license.
To obtain a driver license, an applicant approved by the DACA program must provide the same documents required by North Carolina law for any driver license applicant. They will be required to provide proof of age and identity (two forms), proof of residency, proof of Social Security, proof of liability insurance and, under DACA, proof of legal presence issued by the U.S. government.
After providing proper documentation for their driver license application, DACA applicants will receive a temporary driving certificate. This is the same certificate provided to all qualified driver license applicants, enabling them to drive while awaiting the 10- to 20-day delivery of their driver license by mail.
NCDMV will issue licenses to those qualified for the same period of duration as that provided by the federal government. The state typically issues such limited duration licenses for visiting students, agricultural workers and others.
Those who qualify under the DACA program can contact their local driver license office or NCDMV at 919-861-3011, or log onto the NCDMV website for more information.
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