Sen. Brooks says driver license proposal is good for public safety and state’s economy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said he plans to refile legislation for the 2025 legislative session for working immigrants to legally obtain a license to drive in Oklahoma. A report by Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force also recommended that the state issue a “driver’s privilege card” for undocumented immigrants.

Brooks had planned to present more information during an interim study this week, but due to scheduling conflicts of key presenters, the hearing was cancelled. However, the senator still plans to reintroduce legislation that would allow working immigrants to use their individual tax identification number, through which they pay state and federal income taxes, to obtain a driver license. Such licenses could not be used to register to vote, but he said the licensure will reduce the number of uninsured motorists, improve public safety, and boost revenue for the state.

Brooks said the issue is too important not to continue to work to provide information to the public and elected officials about how this would benefit Oklahoma.

“Twenty-two states have already enacted something similar, and the results are extremely positive,” Brooks said. “Their outcomes tell us we’ll see a reduction in uninsured motorist rates of up to 75 percent. Licensure will improve public safety because these individuals will be verifying their identity with the state, registering their address and submitting a fingerprint to the largest law enforcement database in the nation. The fees would also provide an additional $50 million in revenues for Oklahoma.”

Brooks won Senate committee approval for his proposal in 2023. That year, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau touted the measure’s benefits to farmers and ranchers who depend on immigrant labor. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma State Troopers Association, the State Chamber, Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs, and many other organizations also supported the measure.

“This is about finding positive, real solutions to public safety concerns and recognizing the opportunity for even greater economic growth for our state. In fact, a recent report showed that undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma paid $227.5 million in state and local taxes in fiscal year 2022,” Brooks said. “We’re talking about people who have lived and worked here for years, raising their families, buying homes, paying rent, and supporting local economies. This is policy over politics, and it’s the right thing to do for Oklahoma.” 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Michael Brooks: (405) 521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov