Prior to 2008, Michigan law did not require a driver’s license or state ID applicants to have a specific immigration or citizenship status. Applicants only needed to provide documents sufficient to prove their identity and Michigan residency.
We support the State of Michigan:
- Providing a limited purpose operator’s license for individuals without proof of citizenship status.
- Setting standards for documentation required for the limited purpose operator’s license.
- Increasing penalties for providing fraudulent information to the Michigan Secretary of State, including fraudulent claims of state residency.
- Requiring passage of a written and driver skill test.
The limited purpose operator’s license would not be acceptable for official federal purposes. It would be issued only as a license to drive a motor vehicle and not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.