All people who live in Minnesota can now make an appointment to get their driver's license regardless of their immigration status.
The "Driver's License for All" initiative takes effect October 1st, and Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong says offices are now taking appointments for the written exam portion of the test.
"Folks who are passing the written test, they have the knowledge of all the driving laws here in Minnesota and folks that are passing our behind the wheel test can demonstrate that they can safely navigate the roads," explains Xiong. "And when we have safe drivers on the road, that makes all of us safer."
The Driver's License for All law will allow Minnesotans to begin the process of getting a standard class D instruction permit or driver's license or a standard identification card.
The law eliminates the need to show proof of legal presence in the United States to get a standard Minnesota class D driver's license, instruction permit or standard identification (ID) card.
The new law is expected to affect more than 80,000 people in Minnesota.
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services are holding several information events in September for people looking to learn more about the program.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2-4 p.m. Citizenship Fair St. Paul
Tuesday, Sept. 12, Panel Discussion, City of Bloomington’s Civic Plaza
Saturday, Sept.16, 10 a.m. - noon Morovian Church, 115 E. 4th St., Chaska, MN
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. - noon Minnesota International Educators Meeting, Macalester College