Cost-Benefit Analysis of Providing Driver’s Licenses to Unauthorized Immigrants : Increasing Public Safety and Revenue

Abstract

The driver’s license application process aims to ensure all applicants receive basic training and are equipped to drive on public roads. Through the REAL ID Act of 2005, federal legislators standardized the driver’s license application process and created a de jure national identification card—morphing the purpose of driver’s licenses. REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses require the applicants birth certificate and Social Security Card, disqualifying unauthorized immigrants. Twelve states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, provide unauthorized immigrants access to non-REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses with the sole purpose of legalizing their driving. What would be the effects of reinstating unauthorized immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses in Wisconsin?