Tell Georgia Electeds to Support Expanded Access to Driving Cards

Georgia’s undocumented immigrant community members and workers are a vital part to the state’s population and economy. Currently, there are 19 other states, plus Washington D.C., that allow their residents to obtain driving cards, but Georgia is not one of them. The state has an estimated population of 300 thousand undocumented immigrants of working age (between the ages of 16 and 54). Many undocumented immigrants work in car-dependent industries such as agriculture and construction. Additionally, undocumented immigrants in the state contribute $928,500,000 in taxes each year. Yet, people’s inability to legally drive places a strain on their family lives through the stress and added burden for some to be the designated driver for loved ones.

In addition to undocumented immigrants, expanded access to driver’s licenses would also help people trying to get back on their feet such as domestic violence survivors who lack required documentation to obtain driver’s licenses, and people returning from prison. Driving without a driver’s license in Georgia is punishable by fines, fees, and jail time. Because car access is necessary for most people’s livelihoods in the state, the restrictions placed on these populations unnecessarily makes their lives more difficult.

The Freedom to Drive Coalition has led efforts to introduce a bill that would expand access to driver’s licenses in the State of Georgia in 2021 & 2023, and we look to reintroduce the issue in 2025. Some lawmakers have been invaluable champions for expanded access to driver’s licenses. Still, more lawmakers need to hear us.

Tell your Georgia Representatives and Senators to improve the lives of thousands of people by expanding access to driving cards, and bolster Georgia’s economic needs.