[quote=deadzone]…While a driver’s license is not a “citizenship document” from a federal point of view, it is a pretty good proxy. In almost all states, including California, you can’t get a driver’s license unless you are a legal resident. Therefore if you have a valid state issue driver’s license, I doubt the AZ police would have any reason to suspect you as being illegal. Again, I don’t see where race fits into this equation.[/quote]
Uhh, deadzone, I am personally aware of “unauthorized immigrants” who have a CA Driver License. And I’m sure the few that I know are merely a drop in the bucket.
Birth date verification and legal presence requirements
The issue of identification reliability, integrity, and confidentiality is of prime concern to all citizens. Eligibility for government services, issuance of various licenses, assessment of taxes, the right to vote, etc., are all determined through evaluations based on identification documents. It is critical that identification documents be authenticated and accurate in identifying each individual. The California driver license and ID card have been declared as primary identification documents in this state by the California legislature.
State law requires every applicant for an original California identification (ID) card and driver license to show verification of birth date and proof of legal presence within the United States to help safeguard the accuracy and integrity of departmental documents.
If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.
Only the original or a certified copy of one of the following documents is acceptable:
US Birth Certificate (certified copy from state or local vital statistics office)
US Certificate of Birth Abroad or Report of Birth Abroad
Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree
USCIS American Indian Card
Birth Certificate or passport issued from a US Territory
US Passport or US Passport Card
US Military Identification Cards (Active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
Common Access Card (only if designated as Active military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
Northern Mariana Card
USCIS US Citizen ID Card
Permanent Resident Card Temporary Resident Identification Card
Canadian Passport/Birth Certificate
Non–resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I–94)
“Processed for I–551” stamped in a valid foreign passport
Permanent Resident Re–entry Permit
Refugee travel document
Certified court order or judgment issued from a court of competent jurisdiction. Must contain name, birth date, place of birth, legal presence status, and judge’s signature.
Certification from California Department of Corrections or California Youth Authority Employment Authorization Card
Valid I–94 stamped “Refugee,” “Parole or Parolee,” “Asylee,” or Section 207, Section 208, Section 209, Section 212d(2), HP or PIP
Valid I–94 with attached photo stamped “Processed for I–551 temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence”
Notice of Action (I–797 Approved Petition) – must indicate approved extension of stay or change in status that grants temporary or permanent residency, or indicates that an original, duplicate or renewal Resident Alien card is forthcoming.
Immigration judge’s order granting asylum Mexican Border Crossing Card with valid I–94
U.S. Border Crossing Identification card with valid I–94
Once their “temporary gig” is up, they still have a DL lasting four years OR can theoretically remain in the US while “shopping” 24/7, lol. Not sure if they can renew their DL’s by mail, though.
