On July 1, Rhode Island residents who are not citizens became eligible to obtain a driver’s license.
Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed the change into law just over a year ago and it is just now going into effect.
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The “driver privilege” card or permit differs from a typical driver’s license because it isn’t valid for state or federal identification, or voting purposes. But it gives permit holders a form of ID for driving and insurance access.
Eligible applicants must be able to verify that they have filed a personal income tax return as a Rhode Island resident in the most recent year; present two proof of identity documents; and meet insurance requirements.
The cards also benefit the holders by serving as a valid form of identification to prevent them from being reported to federal immigration officials.
What does citizenship have to do with driving rights or capabilities? The only regulation that makes sense is minimum driving age.