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SB 13

invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants and prohibiting driver's license issuance and renewal to individuals with pending asylum claims, regardless of a grant of temporary work authorization.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 10 co-sponsors

New Hampshire bill invalidates driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and blocks renewals for those with pending asylum claims, restricting legal work identification access.

Sen. Gannon Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 06/12/2025; SJ 16
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Bill Summary · SB 13

Legislative bill overview

SB 13 would invalidate driver's licenses previously issued to undocumented immigrants in New Hampshire and prohibit the state from issuing or renewing licenses to individuals with pending asylum claims, even if they have been granted temporary work authorization. The bill effectively reverses access to driver's licenses for these populations regardless of their employment or legal status during the asylum adjudication process.

Why is this important

Driver's licenses affect practical access to employment, banking, healthcare, and transportation. This bill would restrict a population's ability to work legally in jobs requiring driving or official identification, potentially creating economic and mobility barriers. It also raises questions about federal-state coordination, since work authorization is a federal immigration matter, while driver's licensing is typically a state function.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority overlap: Work authorization is determined by federal immigration law; states restricting licenses based on pending asylum status (despite federal work permits) creates a state-federal conflict
  • Economic impact on workers: Individuals granted temporary work authorization by federal agencies would be unable to use standard identification for employment or other purposes, potentially pushing them toward informal economic activity
  • Implementation and verification burden: Requires state DMV systems to cross-reference immigration databases and asylum pending status, raising privacy and data-sharing concerns
  • Consistency with existing law: Some states issue licenses to individuals with pending asylum claims; this represents a stricter approach that may conflict with federal work authorization policies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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