The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) founded in 1933 is a non profit and a tax- exempt organization determined to build model programs in motor vehicle administration, police traffic services and highway safety. This organization serves as an information clearinghouse for the mentioned disciplines and also acts as an international spokesman for these interests. The organization is looking to bring about uniformity and consistency and reciprocity among the states and provinces. AAMVA is concerned with ensuring that all lawfully present, eligible applicants receive licenses.

AAMVA Points on Driver’s Licensing for Foreign Nationals

1. The organization recommends that member jurisdictions not grant a photo driver’s license to undocumented aliens.
2. Until further study it is early to recommend the acceptance of foreign consular identity documents by member jurisdictions.
3. The organization believes that the only foreign document acceptable to establish legal presence is the foreign passport with a proper immigration document.
4. The organization agrees that the proper goals of driver’s licensing programs are to promote highway safety and integrity in the driver’s license system and as an identity document.
5. Persons who are lawfully present in the United States should not be denied driver’s licenses based on their inability to produce immigration documents prescribed by motor vehicle administrators.
6. The organizations position is based on the increased importance of the driver’s license as an identity document that is requested in the conduct of every day affairs, such as banking, obtaining employment or entering government buildings.
7. In the organizations view the license connotes that the issuing authority has verified the identity of the holder, as well as driving competence, and suggests lawful presence.
8. A foreign national who is in the United States in violation of immigration law does not deserve the privilege of obtaining a driver’s license.
9. The organization believes that the validity of a driver’s license should be conterminous with the validity of the holder’s immigration status.

DOS and Diplomatic Motor Vehicles

Through its Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office Department of State (DOS) has the sole authority to issue driver’s licenses and motor vehicle registrations for foreign missions and foreign mission members.

No foreign mission or mission member may legally apply for or receive, and no state may issue a state driver license, or motor vehicle title, registration and license plates in contravention of the limitations and conditions imposed by the DOS. To learn more about the DMV Program click here.