Guzman Law to Give Non-Drivers the Dignity of an ID Takes Effect in 2022 

Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D-31st District House of Delegates) today encourages non-drivers in the undocumented community to apply for a Virginia-issued ID at their local Department of Motor Vehicles beginning January 3. Undocumented children are also eligible to receive an ID. The new law, sponsored by Delegate Guzman, builds on Democrats’ previous legislative accomplishment of allowing undocumented Virginians to apply for driving privilege cards. 

“We need an ID to buy a car, rent an apartment, open a bank account, pick up a prescription, and even enter our children’s schools, so this new law will empower undocumented Virginians to more fully participate in our communities and economy,” said Guzman. 

“Furthermore, many of our undocumented neighbors have worked to keep Virginia running during the pandemic, and granting them the dignity of a state-issued ID sends the message that they are seen and their contributions are valued. I would also like to recognize my colleagues Senator Scott Surovell, Senator Jennifer Boysko, and Delegate Kathy Tran for their leadership on the driving privilege card bill, as well as the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, Drive Virginia Forward, CASA in Action, New Virginia Majority, and the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights. Granting our undocumented siblings the dignity of an ID was a team effort that could not have been done alone.” 

Guzman has received awards from the Peruvian Lawyers Association of D.C., Drive Virginia Forward and Just Neighbors for her work in passing both pieces of legislation. 

Guzman discussed the non-driver ID bill in an interview in Spanish with Telemundo HERE and in a conversation in English with Project Action ID HERE.