What to know: Monday marks first day undocumented residents can get a driver’s license in Mass.
Monday marks the first-day undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license after a new law took effect over the weekend.
The Work and Family Mobility Act took effect on July 1, but being a Saturday, Monday is the first-day Registry of Motor Vehicle offices across the state will open for appointments under the new law. It allows people in the country illegally to apply for a Standard Class D or M driver’s license or learner’s permit by removing the requirement to prove immigration status.
Undocumented applicants have to follow the same process as documented residents, including proving their identity and birthdate, paying necessary fees, and passing a road test. They must also prove they live in Massachusetts.
A list of accepted documents can be found here. Appointments are required – walk-ins are not allowed.
The RMV expects more than 250,000 immigrants to apply for licenses in the coming years.
In anticipation of expected high demand, some RMV offices will start opening on Saturdays to accommodate more appointments.
Those in favor of the new law had argued that the 17 states that passed similar measures saw a decline in uninsured drivers and hit-and-run crashes.
HAPPENING TODAY: A new state law allowing undocumented immigrants in MA to obtain a driver's license took effect over the weekend, but today is the first day people can apply.
What you need to know all morning on @boston25 pic.twitter.com/qUuG8M175f— Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) July 3, 2023
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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