Driver's License for All panel preps residents for Oct. 1 state law implementation

Julie Buntjer, The Daily Globe, Worthington, Minn.
·6 min read

Sep. 26—WORTHINGTON — A new Minnesota state law that takes effect Sunday will allow undocumented individuals living in the state to apply for a driver's license, and thereby purchase auto insurance starting Monday.

In advance of the new law, Worthington's Cross-Cultural Advisory Committee hosted a Drivers License for All meeting Sunday afternoon at the JBS Field House. More than 150 individuals attended the program, which included a panel of speakers representing the Nobles County License Center and Attorney's office, Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Worthington Police Department. Two local attorneys and three local insurance agents were included on the panel to address questions.

The change in state law will eliminate the need for individuals to show legal proof of residence in order to get a Minnesota driver's license. That means all people, regardless of immigration status, can become licensed to drive a vehicle.

A prepared list of questions, ranging from the benefits of becoming licensed to fears of being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, were asked of panel members in English, and then translated in Spanish for attendees.

Following are some of the questions asked, and addressed by the panel:

* Why do I need a driver's license; how does it benefit me? "The main reason is if you get stopped without a license, there's a good chance you will get a ticket," said Aaron Kinser, a local attorney.

"As Chief of Police, I've been in favor of this law for quite some time because it benefits our community," said Worthington Police Chief Troy Appel. "A person with a driver's license is an educated driver. You've learned the laws and passed the driver's test."

* When can people get a license? Will it have my immigration status on it? "You may set up an appointment at any time," said Tanya Echternach, of the Nobles County License Center, noting the web address, drive.mn.gov. "It will not have your immigration status on it. Your card will appear like a standard driver's license."

* If I get a driver's license, will I be reported to ICE? "No. ICE does not get information that you provide to the driver's license office," replied Erin Schutte Wadzinski, immigration attorney and owner of Kivu Immigration Law in Worthington. "If you apply for a driver's license under your true identity, that information will not be shared with ICE. It is safe. But please do answer the questions on the driver's license application truthfully and correctly. The lawmakers who wrote and designed this law did it very carefully to make sure ICE could not obtain any of that information."

* Will I be able to vote if I have a driver's license? "No. A driver's license does not give you permission to vote. Only U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to vote in U.S. elections," Schutte Wadzinski said.

* What if I have a driver's license from my country? Do I still need one in the U.S.? "If you are here visiting on a very short term, you will not need a driver's license," replied Appel. "If you are living here or working here or staying beyond a short visit, yes, you will need a driver's license."

* What is the process for getting a driver's license? Echternach explained that individuals who have resided in Minnesota for at least 60 days must first pass a written exam. After that, they can apply for a permit. Individuals who have a driver's license in any other U.S. state or country may be able to take their driving test right away, added Alex Scarset, DVS/DPS exam assistant regional supervisor. Once the permit is obtained, individuals under age 19 will have to wait six months before taking the driver's test, while individuals over age 19 can take the driver's test three months after earning the permit.

* Are the written and road tests available in other languages? "Written tests are offered in nine languages," said Scarset, adding that headphones are also available for the written test so individuals can hear the questions read to them. As for the driving test, the Nobles County License Center has one bilingual examiner who speaks Spanish and English. "You can bring someone with you to translate instructions before the driving test begins, however no one can ride with you during the test," said Scarset.

* Is driver's education mandatory to apply for a driver's license? "No. Driver's education is only mandatory when you're taking your driver's test and under the age of 18," Scarset said. Locally, Great Plains Driving School offers driver's education. There is a list of approved driving schools at drivemn.gov.

* What happens if I get pulled over without a driver's license? What should I tell the officer? What if I have a false ID? "If you are pulled over by the police, the best thing for you to do, in all options, is be truthful," shared Appel. "If you don't have a driver's license, be honest. Tell the officer your true name. If you provide a police officer with false information, you are committing a crime, in addition to driving without a license. Be truthful and honest."

* What if my documents are not in English? "It's important that you have proof of your identity in order to obtain a driver's license," Schutte Wadzinski said. "There are certain types of documents you can present, such as a birth certificate or international passport. The important thing is the documents you present are in English or have an English translation.

"If you are using your official birth certificate, you will need to have it translated and present both the original and the translated version to get your driver's license," she added. "The translation of your original document must have the signed certificate of translation along with it."

Kivu Immigration Law will assist individuals in translating documents for a fee, with a portion of the cost covered by the Nobles County Law Library.

* Do I need insurance to get a driver's license? "When you arrive for the driver's test, the vehicle must be insured, however the vehicle doesn't need to be in your name," Scarset replied.

"After you get your license, you should have insurance on the car you are driving," said Jen Salinas, an agent with First State Insurance Agency in Worthington. "You need insurance to be legally driving your vehicle."

"Insurance is an agreement to protect you if something bad happens — car accident, backing into someone, causing injury to someone else," added Jessica Noble, who has a local State Farm office. "You pay a premium in exchange for protection in case something goes wrong. It is the law to have liability coverage in the state of Minnesota. When you go to get your driver's license, you do need to provide proof that the vehicle is insured.

"There are many places to get insurance and lots of different companies," she added. "I would encourage you to find a local agent to help you. We can be a great resource in a time of need. We can help explain coverages in case accidents happen. There are many insurance agents here in Worthington who want to help you out."