Imigrantes indocumentados podem obter a carteira de motorista nos EUA?
Angelica Rice • January 12, 2023
Muitos imigrantes indocumentados, ou imigrantes sem status, se perguntam se podem obter uma carteira de motorista dos Estados Unidos. Alguns estados permitem isso, enquanto muitos estados ainda não, portanto, se você pode ou não obter uma carteira de motorista sem evidência de status, depende de onde você mora. Veja abaixo um breve guia para obter a carteira de motorista de não imigrante nos Estados Unidos.
A Califórnia é um dos poucos estados que permitem que não imigrantes residentes na Califórnia, que não possuam status, obtenham uma carteira de motorista. Na Califórnia, esse tipo de licença é chamada de carteira de motorista AB-60. De acordo com a AB 60 (Capítulo 524: Estatutos de 2013), o DMV (Detran) emite uma driver’s licensepara os requerentes que não podem fornecer prova de presença legal nos EUA, mas:
- Atendam a todos os outros requisitos para obter uma licença.
- Forneçam prova satisfatória de identidade e residência na Califórnia.
Os documentos que uma pessoa solicitando uma carteira de motorista AB-60 deve enviar ao DMV (Detran) são:
- Comprovante de identidade, como carteira de motorista emitida anteriormente ou passaporte estrangeiro OU dois (2) dos seguintes documentos:
a. Carteira de identidade estrangeira e/ou passaporte*;
b. Documento escolar que inclua a data de nascimento da pessoa;
c. Cópias de quaisquer solicitações protocoladas no USCIS ou recibos do USCIS;
d. Declaração de Imposto de Renda Federal;
e. Certidão de casamento e/ou sentença de divórcio;
f. Certidão de nascimento.
* Se você precisa ou não apresentar apenas seu passaporte ou se precisa apresentar seu passaporte e identificação consular/carteira de identidade, varia de acordo com o país de origem. Por exemplo, mexicanos e brasileiros solicitando uma carteira de motorista AB-60 precisam fornecer sua carteira de identidade consular e seu passaporte para atender a esse requisito. Conforme explicado abaixo, consulte a página do DMV de cada estado para determinar exatamente quais documentos você precisará e se há requisitos especiais com base no seu país de cidadania.
Para obter ajuda, use este link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/assembly-bill-ab-60-wizard - Comprovante de residência na Califórnia, que inclui:
a. Contrato de locação;
b. Escritura ou título de propriedade;
c. Contas de água, luz ou telefone;
d. Documentos escolares;
e. Documentos médicos;
f. Documentos empregatícios;
g. Documentos de seguro;
h. Documentos do IRS (ou seja, declaração de imposto de renda federal);
i. Registro de Veículo;
j. Extratos bancários.
Consulte a página do DMV da Califórnia para obter detalhes adicionais e uma lista completa dos documentos necessários para obter esse tipo de licença, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/assembly-bill-ab -60-carteiras de motorista/
Nem todos os estados permitem que o imigrante ou pessoa indocumentada (sem status) nos Estados Unidos, obtenha uma carteira de motorista. Alguns dos estados que permitem que pessoas que não têm prova de presença legal nos Estados Unidos obtenham carteiras de motorista são Califórnia, Colorado, Illinois, Havaí, Delaware, Washington, Novo México, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Vermont e Washington D.C. Além disso, diferentes estados oferecem diferentes tipos de privilégios na carteira de motorista. Alguns estados oferecem apenas uma licença restrita, alguns estados oferecem licenças de curto prazo válidas por apenas um (1) ano e outros estados permitem que não imigrantes tenham uma licença que também pode ser usada como forma de identificação. Qual deles está disponível para você, depende, novamente, do estado em que você mora. Cada estado tem requisitos diferentes para obter uma carteira de motorista. Consulte as páginas individuais do DMV de cada estado para determinar quais documentos você precisa para obter uma carteira de motorista não imigrante e/ou determinar se seu estado oferece essa carteira de motorista.
Este blog não se destina a ser um aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de uma relação cliente-advogado. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração, antes de agir baseado em qualquer informação lida neste blog.
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security , halting the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that was scheduled to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) on September 15, 2026. As a result of this nationwide order, DHS is blocked from enforcing fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I media representatives while the litigation moves forward. Because the current “duration of status” framework remains in full effect, F, J, and I visa holders are not required to file Form I-539 extension of stay applications to remain in valid status beyond program end dates at this time. Furthermore, restrictions on academic transfers, constraints on enrolling in second programs at the same degree level, 240-day caps on continued employment while extensions are pending, and shortened grace periods do not apply during the injunction. F-1 nonimmigrants retain the full 60-day post-completion grace period, and J-1 holders maintain their 30-day grace period. However, please note that this preliminary injunction is not a final ruling invalidating the rule , and a status conference is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to determine next steps in the litigation. Immediate Practice Tips: Inspect I-94 Travel Records Upon Reentry: F, J, and I visa holders currently admitted under D/S retain their status and should continue to be readmitted under D/S following international travel until the injunction is lifted. However, because the I-94 record controls legal stay, travelers must inspect their CBP-issued Form I-94 immediately upon reentry to confirm the "Admit Until Date" states "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date. If a specific date is mistakenly recorded, contact a local CPB Deferred Inspection Site. Notify HR and Review Workplace Compliance: Employers sponsoring F-1 or J-1 employees should inform HR and hiring managers that the September 15 fixed-period rule is postponed and standard D/S rules govern. This development does not alter standard filing windows or Form I-9 verification procedures for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extensions. Maintain Operational Readiness and Defer Unnecessary Filings: Visa holders and employers should defer travel or filing strategy decisions made solely in anticipation of the fixed-admission rule. Because DHS may appeal or the court could alter the timeline on short notice, institutions and visa holders should maintain readiness to adjust plans if implementation resumes. There are many evolving components to this litigation. If you are an F-1, J-1, or I visa holder, sponsoring institution, or employer, you should proactively coordinate with your international student office and legal counsel to protect your status and monitor upcoming court proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final rule eliminating the longstanding "duration of status" (D/S) policy for F, J, and I visa holders, replacing it with a fixed period of admission effective September 15, 2026. This rule requires that those who need additional time to complete their programs must file Form I-539 with USCIS or travel abroad and seek to reenter to extend their authorized period of stay. F and J visa holders present in the U.S. and in valid status on September 15, 2026, will be allowed to remain in the United States until the Program End Date listed on their current Form I-20 (for F-1s) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1s), up to a maximum of four years (until September 15, 2030) plus a 60-day grace period for F-1s and a 30-day grace period for J-1s, without filing an Extension of Status request with USCIS. However, this safety net only applies while staying in the U.S.; international travel and subsequent reentry after September 15, 2026 will result in readmission under the new rule with an I-94 that expires on the Program End Date or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration, but no later than four-years after their date of re-entry. Additionally, once re-admitted under the new rules, F-1s will only receive a 30-day grace period. Immediate Practice Tips: Any F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant currently in the U.S. who plans to change programs, start a new degree level, or needs more time to complete their studies must work with their school or program sponsor to update their SEVIS record and receive an extended Form I-20 or DS-2019 before September 15, 2026. Eligible F-1 students should submit their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT work authorization applications (Form I-765) before September 15, 2026, to secure their status and drastically reduce the likelihood of needing a Form I-539 extension application. Any F-1 student who is eligible to apply for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, should do so as soon as they are eligible to file their Form I-765. Since F-1s can file OPT applications up to 90 days in advance of graduation, F-1 students graduating before June 15,2027, should be able to file their OPT applications before March 18, 2027, and should do so to avoid also having to file Form I-539 to extend their stay. Thus, most F-1 students graduating in December 2026 and May/June 2027 should be able to take advantage of the transition rule’s delay in having to file Form I-539 applications and should only need to file Form I-765 to apply for OPT. Incoming F-1 and J-1 students who can enter the United States before the September 15, 2026 effective date (within the permissible 30-day window prior to their program start) should do so to benefit from the transition rules, including the full 60-day F-1 grace period and deferred extension requirements. Students (F-1 and J-1) who are planning international travel should return before the effective date if possible to preserve their transition benefits. There are many parts of the rule that are not discussed here. If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, you should proactively coordinate with your institutions and international office to protect your status and stay informed.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance detailing how officers will evaluate "public charge" inadmissibility for individuals applying for green cards through adjustment of status. This update follows a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulations. The new policy takes effect on September 18, 2026 , and applies to all green card applications (Form I-485) postmarked or submitted on or after that date. Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Rule? Most family-based and employment-based green card applicants will be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, as well as most employment visa preference categories, investors, and diversity visa applicants. Certain categories remain explicitly exempt under immigration law. These include: Asylees and refugees Victims of human trafficking (T visa) or crime (U visa) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners Special Immigrant Juveniles Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Certain military-related applicants and other designated humanitarian groups How USCIS Will Make Determinations USCIS officers will evaluate whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge by reviewing the totality of their circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Key factors include: Five Statutory Factors: Age, health, family status, assets/financial resources, and education or skills. Affidavit of Support: Submission of Form I-864 executed by a sponsor. Use of Public Benefits: USCIS will look at means-tested public benefits, such as cash assistance for income maintenance, housing assistance, food stamps (SNAP), or college financial aid. Note on timing: For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS will only consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at government expense. For benefits received on or after September 18, 2026, the broader consideration of all listed means-tested benefits will apply. Public Charge Bonds If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible solely on public charge grounds, USCIS may issue a Notice of Intent to Deny that invites the applicant to post a public charge bond using Form I-945. If an invited applicant successfully posts the required cash or surety bond, USCIS may approve the application for permanent residence. Public charge bonds can only be submitted if explicitly invited by USCIS. Santos Lloyd Law Firm will continue to monitor immigration developments closely and provide updates as further implementation details are released. For more information, please access: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-on-making-public-charge-inadmissibility-determination
