New DE program aims to help undocumented obtain driver’s license

In just a couple of weeks, the state of Delaware will be officially switching gears on how undocumented residents are licensed to drive.

On roadways across the country undocumented individuals are driving without licenses.

Delaware State Police and the department of motor vehicles acknowledge this is going to happen. Rather than just issuing tickets, state officials announced the details of a new program on Friday, which hopes to put the pedal to the metal in terms of getting undocumented Delaware drivers a valid license.

“For all intents and purposes, it is a Class-D license. That’s valid for driving privileges only — just not valid for identification.” said Scott Vien, director of the DMV.

The “Delaware Driving Privilege Card Program” will provide foreign, undocumented, residents with a driver’s license if they meet certain requirements. Such as obtaining an State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) receipt which confirms information such as name and date of birth.

Also, applicants must show proof of income tax for the past 2-years.

Then it’s test time.

Following a vision test and a written exam, applicants receive a permit and can schedule a road test 10 days later.

Vien tells 47 ABC, “That enables us, the Division Of Motor Vehicles, to ensure that everybody out on the road is legally authorized to do that. That everybody out on the road has passed a written exam, has passed a road test, and ultimately prove to us that they can safely operate a vehicle.”

Sergeant Richard Bratz with Delaware State Police tells 47 ABC says this a good move for everyone, especially law enforcement.

Prior to this change, Bratz tells us undocumented individuals pulled over in Delaware for traffic violations were typically cited…and that’s it.

Without a valid driver’s license, there was no way to track violations.

“There’s some level of security and comfort knowing that when they have an identification card like this, they can help us know who we’re dealing with or who we may have to contact, family members, later on.” said Sgt. Bratz.

The cost for a Driving Privilege Card $70, which covers fingerprinting and application fees.

Last June, Delaware lawmakers passed Senate Bill 59 approving the program.

The program officially begins on Sunday December 27th, meaning that Monday the 28th will be the first day that interested individuals can begin the application process.

These DPC cards are valid for 4-years.