Update from Annapolis
Legislation Calls for Birth Certificate or Proof of Legal Presence To Get
Maryland Driver's License
February 20, 2009

Dear Friends,

     I am co-sponsoring a bill that requires Maryland driver's license applicants to show proof that they are in the United States legally. Such proof would be a birth certificate, green card, visa or other valid papers.

     Maryland is one of four states (and the only one east of the Rockies) that does not require "Proof of Lawful Presence" to get a driver's license.

     As you are aware, some of the 9/11 terrorists received Maryland driver's licenses and used them to get flight training. In fact, Delegate Ron George, lead sponsor of HB 195, has found advertisements in foreign-language newspapers that say, "Come to Maryland, and we will get you that first form of ID that will allow you to move around the country." Fraud cases have drastically increased at the Motor Vehicle Administration, and out-of-country applicants have increased drastically over the last two years to close to 5,000 per week statewide.
 
     Currently, driver's license applicants need only demonstrate residency in Maryland by showing such things as a utility bill or mortgage payment. HB 195 would prohibit the MVA from issuing a driver's license to anyone without proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
   
       For information on other legislation in the General Assembly, you may want to read the Legislative Wrap-Up, prepared by the state Department of Legislative Services every Friday.