What Is The Process For DACA Recipients To Obtain A Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
In order to obtain a driver’s license or state ID in Texas, DACA recipients must first present valid documents proving their identity and Texas residency to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Acceptable documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, school record, marriage certificate, military records, or any other official document that verifies the individual’s identity and/or residency. From there, DACA recipients must complete the necessary driver’s license application materials, pass the written and driving tests, and pay the applicable fees. After all of these steps have been completed, the individual will receive their driver’s license or state ID.
Are DACA Recipients Eligible To Apply For A Driver’s License Or State Id, And What Are The Specific Requirements in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state ID in Texas. The specific requirements are as follows:
– Proof of identity: birth certificate, passport, consular ID card, driver’s license from another state, etc.
– Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 form, etc.
– Proof of Texas residency: utility bill, bank statement, rental/lease agreement, etc.
– Proof of legal presence: Employment Authorization Card (EAD) or other acceptable documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
– Payment of applicable fees.
– Successful completion of a driving test and/or vision screening (depending on the type of license requested).
What Documents Are Typically Required For DACA Recipients To Prove Their Identity, Residency, And Eligibility For A Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
The documents typically required for DACA recipients to prove their identity, residency, and eligibility for a driver’s license or state ID in Texas are proof of identity, such as a valid passport, permanent resident card, or other government-issued photo ID; proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement; and proof of income or financial support. Additionally, applicants may need to provide proof of legal stay in the United States if they are not U.S. citizens.
Are There Any Additional Steps Or Considerations For DACA Recipients Compared To Other Applicants For A Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
Yes. DACA recipients must provide either a federal Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a federal Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in order to apply for a driver’s license or state ID in Texas. Additionally, they must provide proof of residency and identity, such as a passport with a valid entry stamp or a foreign driver’s license.
How Long Is The Validity Period Of A Driver’s License Or State ID Issued To A DACA Recipient in Texas?
Driver’s Licenses and State IDs issued to DACA recipients in Texas are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Can DACA Recipients Use Their Employment Authorization Document (Ead) As Proof Of Eligibility When Applying For A Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients in Texas may use their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as proof of eligibility when applying for a driver’s license or state ID. To apply for a driver’s license or state ID, DACA recipients should take their EAD card along with proof of identity and residency to a local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Type Of License Or ID DACA Recipients Can Obtain, Such As Real ID Compliance Or Non-Compliant Options in Texas?
Yes, DACA recipients are only eligible for non-compliant driver’s licenses in the State of Texas. The non-compliant driver’s license is officially called a “DACA Driver License” and it is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It is valid for driving purposes only and cannot be used as a form of identification for other purposes. Additionally, in order for a DACA recipient to obtain a non-compliant driver’s license in Texas, the individual must meet all other requirements of the Texas Driver License program, such as residency, age, and proof of identity.
What Is The Process For Renewing A Driver’s License Or State ID For DACA Recipients, And How Far In Advance Should They Start The Renewal Process in Texas?
In Texas, DACA recipients must follow the same process as non-DACA recipients when renewing a license or state ID. This involves visiting their local Driver License Office with all the necessary documents and fees. DACA recipients should start the renewal process at least 6 months before their driver license or state ID expires. They must bring their original documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, to the office. Additionally, they must demonstrate proof of a valid Social Security number. For detailed instructions on how to renew a license or state ID, visit the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Can DACA Recipients Apply For A Learner’s Permit Or Intermediate License, And Are There Any Specific Rules Or Restrictions For These Types Of Licenses in Texas?
In Texas, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for a learner’s permit or intermediate license. They must provide documents proving identity and residency in order to apply. An applicant must also pass the written and vision tests and pay the required fee before receiving a learner’s permit or intermediate license. All applicants must be at least 15 years old to receive a learner’s permit or intermediate license. Any minor who is under 18 must have parental consent in order to apply for a learner’s permit or intermediate license.
How Does Our State Handle The Privacy And Confidentiality Of DACA Recipients’ Personal Information Provided During The Application Process in Texas?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for safeguarding the personal information of DACA recipients provided during the application process. DPS adheres to the law of privacy and confidentiality regarding the personal information of DACA recipients in Texas. DPS follows the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). To protect DACA recipients’ personal information, DPS uses secure servers, encryption technology, and password protection. Additionally, all DACA applications are processed in a secure location and only personnel with proper security clearance have access to the documents.
What Steps Should DACA Recipients Take If They Face Difficulties Or Discrimination While Applying For A Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
1. Contact a trusted immigration attorney for advice. A qualified immigration attorney can provide information about driver’s license and state ID requirements, as well as help DACA recipients address any issues they may face while applying for these documents.
2. Contact a local advocacy organization or community resources. Advocacy organizations such as RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) provide free, low-cost legal services to individuals in Texas who need assistance with driver’s license and state ID applications. Additionally, many local community centers and churches offer assistance to DACA recipients who are applying for driver’s licenses or state IDs.
3. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If DACA recipients face difficulties or discrimination while applying for a driver’s license or state ID, they should contact the DPS directly. The DPS website has information about what documents are needed to apply for these documents, and the agency’s website also has a contact page where individuals can submit questions or complaints.
4. File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office (OAG). The OAG investigates reports of discrimination and can take appropriate legal action against those who have violated the law. DACA recipients can file a complaint online on the OAG website or call or mail in their complaint.
Are There Any Special Provisions For DACA Recipients Who Have Moved From Another State And Need To Transfer Their Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued guidance specifically for DACA recipients who are transferring their driver’s license or state identification from another state to Texas. According to DPS, DACA recipients will need to provide the following documents to transfer their license or identification: (1) a valid ID from another state; (2) a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security; and (3) proof of Texas residence. Additionally, DACA recipients must pass all applicable tests required for transferring the license or identification.
Can DACA Recipients Use Their Driver’s License Or State ID For Purposes Beyond Driving, Such As Employment Verification Or Identification For Government Services in Texas?
No, DACA recipients are not eligible to receive any government-issued ID cards in Texas that could be used to verify employment or gain access to government services. According to the Texas DPS, DACA recipients are only eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state ID card for the purpose of driving only.
What Information Is Displayed On A Driver’s License Or State ID Issued To DACA Recipients, And Is There Any Indication Of Their DACA Status in Texas?
In Texas, driver’s licenses or state IDs issued to DACA recipients will display the same information as for any other holder of the license. There is also no indication of their DACA status on the license. However, since a DACA recipient is not a citizen of the United States, it will be noted on the license or ID with a “Not for Federal Identification” statement.
How Does Our State Handle Situations Where DACA Recipients’ Status May Expire Before Their Driver’s License Or State ID Does in Texas?
In Texas, DACA recipients can apply to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a driver’s license or state ID. The DPS will approve a request for renewal of the license or state ID up to 90 days after the expiration of the DACA status, if the DACA recipient has applied for renewal of their DACA status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the DACA recipient’s status expires before their driver’s license or state ID does, they may be able to continue driving with the license or state ID until it expires, provided they have applied to renew their DACA status with USCIS.
Are There Any Limitations On The Type Of Vehicles DACA Recipients Can Drive With Their Driver’s License, Such As Commercial Vehicles in Texas?
Yes, there are limitations on the type of vehicles DACA recipients can drive with their driver’s license in Texas. DACA recipients may only operate Class C vehicles (cars, pickup trucks, vans) with a valid driver’s license. They may not operate commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, buses, or other large commercial vehicles.
Can DACA Recipients Use Their Driver’s License Or State ID For Federal Identification Purposes, Such As Boarding Airplanes in Texas?
No, DACA recipients cannot use their driver’s license or state ID for federal identification purposes, such as boarding airplanes in Texas. Federal law requires all travelers to present a valid passport or other documents approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when entering the United States from any foreign country. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration requires that travelers present a valid passport or an acceptable form of identification when traveling by air within the United States.
What Are The Fees Associated With Applying For And Renewing A Driver’s License Or State ID As A DACA Recipient in Texas?
In Texas, the fee for applying for a driver’s license or state ID as a DACA recipient is $60. The fee for renewing a driver’s license or state ID is also $60.
How Often Should DACA Recipients Verify Their Legal Status And Eligibility In Order To Maintain A Valid Driver’s License Or State ID in Texas?
In Texas, DACA recipients must verify their legal status and eligibility for a valid driver’s license or state ID every two years.
Where Can DACA Recipients Find Accurate And Up-To-Date Information About Driver’s License And State ID Requirements Specific To Their State in Texas?
DACA recipients in Texas can find accurate and up-to-date information about driver’s license and state ID requirements specific to their state from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. The DPS website provides detailed information about eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and fees for both driver’s licenses and state photo ID cards. Additionally, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) has a website on which DACA recipients in Texas can find additional information about driver’s license and state ID requirements.
