Oregon Passes “Equal Access to Roads Act”

After a long wait after the initial drafting of HB 2015, or the Equal Access to Roads Act, the bill will finally take effect starting January 1, 2021. Individuals in the state of Oregon will not need to provide a US birth certificate nor a valid passport to obtain a driver’s license. The bill eliminates the requirement for any legal documentation from the United States, thereby opening new opportunities for thousands of immigrants living in Oregon who have been unable to drive with a valid license due to their immigration status. The bill was initiated to provide anti-discrimination and confidentiality provisions for the protection of all Oregonians, regardless of their immigration status.

It is important to note that HB 2015 only applies to Class C driver’s licenses. Truck driver’s licenses and other driving classes are not included. These standard licenses and IDs are not to be used as real forms of identifications and will not make someone eligible to register to vote. This form of ID will not considered acceptable proof of identity for airplane travel beginning October 1, 2021.

If you or someone you know are eligible for an Oregon driver’s license, please visit your local DMV office or website by clicking here to set an appointment for your driving test.

Social Security Number Not Required for an Oregon Driver’s License

Oregonians, starting in January 2021, will be able to apply for a driver’s license without proof of legal presence. This change is the result of a bill (HB 2015) approved in 2019 by the Oregon legislature. The bill permits Oregonians to get a valid license without presenting proof of legal status in the United States. In short, Oregonians will be able to get a license without presenting a social security number.

Requirements to Apply for a License

There are still several requirements to be met and information to be provided to the DMV to obtain a driver’s license, including:

• completed application form
• proof of your full legal name and the form of identification
• proof of your date of birth
• proof of Oregon residency
• either a social security number (SSN) or a signed, written statement that confirms the applicant has not been assigned a SSN.

Please visit the Oregon DMV’s website for a complete, updated list of required documents.

Some people have reported that the DMV is requesting an official a statement from the Social Security Administration that they have not assigned a social security number. You can contact the Social Security Administration if you would like an official statement.

Keep in mind that a license issued under HB 2015 provisions will not be REAL ID Act compliant. In other words, starting on October 1, 2021, you will not be able to use this license to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal building.

Additionally, while Oregon’s Motor Voter law automatically registers people to vote when they obtain their driver’s license, HB 2015 license applicants will not be registered.

This is the first time in over 10 years that all Oregonians can access a driver’s license in the state without proving their legal status. After substantial work from immigrants’ rights groups, lawmakers, state legislators, and Governor Kate Brown, immigrants are once again given the opportunity to drive safely and receive proper training before getting behind the wheel. We can now ensure safer driving conditions in the state for all US citizens and members of the community.

Passage Immigration Law

The immigration process can be challenging, complex, intimidating, frustrating, and time-consuming. Having a quality immigration attorney on your side can make all the difference and make the process much easier. At Passage Immigration Law, we work to clarify the hardships and zealously fight to get a positive result for our clients.

As passionate lawyers for immigrants, we track the continual changes in immigration law. We recognize that everyone deserves fair representation and their chance to embrace the American dream. We offer aggressive, effective representation for every case we take.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the skilled, experienced immigration lawyers at Passage Immigration Law now to be sure you get the best possible defense of your rights. Please call (503) 427-8243 or schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers here.