How to get a driver's license in New York if you do not have a social security number

Illegal immigrants in New York can get a driver’s license, even without an SSN. Such an opportunity provides them with the “Green Light Act”. This was described in detail by the author of the channel "Life in Different Countries" on the website Yandex Zen.

If you have never received a Social Security number (SSN) but want to obtain a driver’s license in New York State, you will learn how to do it below.

On December 16, 2019, the Green Light Law entered into force. It allows people who do not have legal status in the United States to obtain a driver’s license.

The applicant only needs to sign a statement stating that the SSN was not issued to him. True, this will have to be done under oath by filling out the corresponding statement “Affidavit on the absence of a social security number”.

You must also confirm the name and date of birth. For this you will need to submit the following documents:

• valid passport;
• A driver’s license with a photo of the owner issued outside the United States whose term has not expired or expired in less than 24 months;
• certificate of marriage or divorce issued by the competent authorities of a foreign state and others.

You can find the full list of necessary documents on the official website New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Please note that this law only applies to a Class D driver’s license for passenger cars. Obtaining a driver's license for the right to drive heavy commercial vehicles (CDL) is not subject to the law. You also cannot get an ID (identification card) without control rights.

On the subject: The New York City Department of Transportation has hired more than 300 employees to deal with the flow of illegal migrant drivers

“The rest of the procedure for obtaining a driver's license is no different from the usual one. It will also be necessary to pass the theoretical part of the exam on knowledge of traffic rules. Then listen to a lecture on road safety at a driving school and get your hands on a pre-licensing course completion certificate. And finally, you will need to pass a driving test (road test), ”the author notes.

As previously reported, the Green Light Act also allows immigrants to apply for licenses for new types of documents. These include: a passport with an unexpired validity from another country, an identification number of a consulate with an unexpired validity, and a foreign driver’s license whose validity does not exceed 24 months. You can learn more about this topic. here.