This month, Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new controversial bill into law: Driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in other states are now invalid in Florida.
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles named Delaware as one of the five states to which this would apply. But in reality, this ban doesn’t change how Delaware’s driving privilege cards were intended to be used.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Florida law.
So, what is the new Florida law?
This law prohibits the issuance of a driver’s license to anyone who does not show that they legally live in the United States. It specifies that out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants are not valid in Florida. Those who show this type of license as identification during a traffic stop will be penalized.
Delaware was among the five states mentioned. The other states are Connecticut, Hawaii, Rhode Island and Vermont.
DeSantis, in recent months, has signed a number of immigration bills that are seen as some of the toughest steps taken against illegal immigration.
When a group of migrants – who were bused from Texas to Washington, D.C. – said last year they planned to travel to Miami, the Florida governor issued a stark warning.
“Do not come to Florida,” he said at the time. “Life will not be easy for you.”
BACKGROUND:Florida’s new immigration law invalidates Delaware licenses for the undocumented
What are Delaware driving privilege cards?
These types of cards are considered valid for driving purposes only. They are not to be used as a form of identification, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
U.S. citizens and those who are allowed to legally be in America are not eligible for these driving privilege cards.
In order for an undocumented person to apply for one of these cards, they must show documents that verify their identity and show they have filed Delaware taxes within two years of applying for this card.
They must also provide an individual tax number or Social Security number, as well as submit to being fingerprinted, having their photo taken and passing vision and road tests.
Driving privilege cards are valid for four years. The cards themselves also have “Driving Privilege Only” and “Not Valid for Identification” printed on them.
Does this prevent Delawareans from driving in Florida?
This Florida legislation doesn’t change anything. These driving privilege cards “provide valid driving authority” only in Delaware, said C.R. McLeod, a Delaware Department of Transportation spokesman.
“These cards were never valid to be used outside of Delaware for driving privileges preceding this immigration law,” McLeod wrote in an email. “If a Delaware DPC holder wishes to drive outside of this state, they would need to contact that particular state to determine what options are available.”
U.S. citizens and legal immigrants with Delaware driver’s licenses are still allowed to drive in Florida.
So, who does this affect in Delaware?
No one really. These special licenses were never allowed to be used outside of the state of Delaware.
