ELIZABETH, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Governor Phil Murphy signed a law Thursday morning that allows for undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license.
State legislation passed the law on Monday allowing for immigrants without legal status to get a license.
"Driving is a basic need – so we must ensure our roads are safe and our drivers are trained, tested, licensed, and insured," Gov. Murphy tweeted.
Hundreds of immigrants, advocates, and officials joined Murphy at the news conference at at Snyder Academy in Elizabeth.
Cheers were heard where nearly two years ago a several organizations launched the Let’s Drive NJ campaign that aimed to get support for the controversial measure.
When Murphy was campaigning for governor, he said he would sign a law that would allow every New Jersey resident the ability to obtain a drivers license regardless of immigration status.
"It may have taken us a little longer than we hoped, but today I am proud to fulfill this promise to you," Murphy said.
New Jersey follows in the footsteps of 13 other states and District of Columbia, including New York, who signed the law earlier in the week.
"Let me be clear, we are hardly being revolutionary here," Murphy adds. "Rather today is a simple recognition that our immigrant communities and each of you are a vital part of our state and our economy."
The legislation sets up a system with two types of drivers license.
One license is federal compliant to REAL ID requirements that include proof of legal residency. This license can be used for boarding airplanes during travel.
The second type allows applicants without a legal status to obtain a license by following a similar 6 Point Verification system, which requires a variety of documents like passports, birth certificates or utility bills to confirm a person's identity.
The bill goes into effect in January 2021.