Driver's Licenses for All
INTRODUCTION
Since the 1990s, there have been a growing number of states that have expanded access to driver’s licenses. In a state where a lack of public transit affects everyone’s livelihoods, Georgia should expand access to driver’s licenses to all residents of this state, including those who are not eligible or unable to obtain an identification recognized by the federal government for things like air travel. Providing licenses for all Georgia drivers will improve public safety, increase accountability, strengthen families, and stimulate the economy. All Georgians are safer when everyone on the road is licensed, insured, and confident while driving.
We recommend the creation of a new driver's license to be used solely for the purpose of driving; it would not be REAL ID compliant. To acquire this new license, applicants have a thorough list of documents that can be used to prove their identification and their residency here in Georgia. With an expanded list of documents that can be used for verification of identity and residency, this new driver’s license would expand access to many who would otherwise be ineligible.
EXPANDS ACCESS TO ALL AND STRENGTHENS FAMILIES
Vulnerable populations in Georgia, including survivors of violence, transgender individuals, people impacted by homelessness, those formerly incarcerated, senior citizens, and undocumented immigrants face cumbersome barriers to obtaining a Georgia driver’s license. With licenses, Georgia’s families will be strengthened by the increased access to accomplishing daily tasks, contributing to their community, supporting their family, and participating in our state’s economy.
The following examples include real-life examples as to how expanding access to driver’s licenses will impact the lives of Georgians:
Formerly incarcerated individuals who are unable to afford buying copies of their birth certificate upon release. Without a driver’s license, these individuals cannot seek new opportunities for gainful employment for reintegration back into society.
Transgender individuals who seek to change their gender on their ID. In Georgia, transgender communities must first submit either a court order or a physician’s letter certifying the gender change . Oftentimes, obtaining a court order or a physician’s letter is not possible.
Immigrant parents who are the main providers of healthcare and educational services for their U.S.-citizen children. They report that not being licensed is a barrier to transportation for their families.
MAKES GEORGIA’S ROADS SAFER & IMPROVES ACCOUNTABILITY
Georgia confirms a driver’s knowledge and competency on the road before that driver receives a license, thereby creating a climate of safety reducing traffic infractions. Licensing more drivers also mitigates high public safety risks: non-licensed drivers are 5x more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, and 10x more likely to commit a hit-and-run. Georgia will also be able to maintain better records of anyone driving in the state; for example, first responders will be able to determine the identity of those involved in any accidents, and law enforcement can keep a more organized record of traffic offenses by using driver’s license records. Courts and local jails will also be less burdened by drivers charged with minor driving-related offenses as well, saving taxpayer money. States that license everyone who is qualified to drive have lower accident and traffic fatality rates.
STIMULATES OUR ECONOMY
Licensing more drivers creates potential economic benefits in two ways: by increasing state revenues, and by reducing auto insurance rates for all Georgians. Licensing more drivers have a track record of success for economic growth. The following are ways in which our local economy can be expanded through increased access to driver’s licenses:
An increase in licensed drivers will boost auto insurance sales, which could lower insurance costs for all Georgians. For instance, after choosing to license undocumented drivers, states such as Utah and New Mexico experienced uninsured motorist rates drop considerably.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services can earn more in fees as more people obtain a license.
State revenue will also increase from taxes that are associated with licensed driving, such as driver registration, car sales, and auto insurance premiums.