IMPACT
The Freedom to Drive GA Coalition represents undocumented immigrants, returning citizens who were formerly incarcerated, survivors of violence, transgender individuals, and people impacted by homelessness -- all of whom face cumbersome barriers to obtaining a Georgia driver’s license or state-issued identification card that is recognized by the federal government for things like travel or entering federal facilities.
Georgia’s state government can issue a state driver card or identification that is recognized by state and local governments. With this driver card, Georgia’s families will be strengthened by their increased ability to accomplish daily tasks, contribute to their community, support those they care for, and participate in our state’s economy.
Which communities are most impacted?
Undocumented Immigrants
Throughout the early 2000s, legislatures across the country enacted laws to restrict undocumented immigrants from obtaining driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. In 2008, Georgia passed SB 488, which added verification of lawful presence to the requirements for obtaining a temporary license, permit, or special identification card. This effectively banned undocumented Georgians from accessing a driver’s license. Georgia law also criminalizes driving without a license. This forces undocumented Georgians into the double bind of risking arrest and deportation or choosing not to drive and being unable to care for themselves or their families.
Returning Citizens
Over the last five years, the Georgia Department of Corrections has released an average of 17,700 people every year. Reintegration into life outside of prison depends on how quickly they are able to obtain government-issued photo identification like a driver’s license. Without one, these individuals are blocked from seeking new employment, housing, or support services. The expense of getting the required documentation such as a birth certificate to apply or renew a driver’s license is a major barrier. Returning citizens would benefit if the state expanded the list of eligible documents to include prison or parole discharge papers.
Survivors of Violence
37.4% of women and 30.4% of men in Georgia experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking at some point in their lives. Survivors of these forms of domestic abuse, many of whom are immigrants, often have few identity documents to begin with, and may be forced to leave those behind when they leave an abusive living situation. It’s vital to the well-being of survivors and their children for the Georgia Department of Driver Services to accept a range of documents to verify identity. Access to a driver’s card would help survivors to secure safe housing and other resources.
Transgender Individuals
Georgia is home to approximately 55,650 transgender residents. In Georgia transgender people must first submit a court order or a physician’s letter certifying their gender change. When legal documents do not align with how a person identifies themselves, they are always at risk. Activities like signing up for a social service, showing up to a COVID vaccine appointment, getting pulled over by law enforcement, voting, or getting carded at a bar require trans individuals to constantly deadname and out themselves--which is on one hand socially.