Driver's License Bill Passes, Goes Into Effect Starting July 2023
The Work and Family Mobility Act is now law. Starting in July 2023, eligible Massachusetts residents will be able to obtain a state-issued ID or driver’s license regardless of immigration status.
Dear Friends,
Today, after almost 20 years, we finally get to celebrate passage of the Massachusetts Work and Family Mobility Act, which would allow all eligible residents to obtain a state-issued ID or driver’s license regardless of immigration status.
This is a momentous win for all our residents. It means better drivers, safer roads, and stronger communities. But for some, this bill means relief from anxiety and fear every time they drive a car. They will be able to take their kids to school, go to work, and go to the doctor, without fear of being separated from their family.
Today’s victory would not have been possible without you. The City of Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement wants to thank our community advocates, especially the Driving Families Forward Coalition, for tirelessly leading this fight. And because of the courage of immigrants without status, community members, business leaders, and law enforcement to speak up and stand up – we are here today.
We’re also grateful for the long-standing leadership from Mayor Michelle Wu and the clear actions from Boston’s previous mayors, the grit from state legislators who pushed this bill forward, and the coordinated partnership with local leaders.
But as we celebrate today’s news, we know the work is not over. The State now needs to prepare for the law to go into effect in July 2023. We at MOIA will work closely with advocates and the RMV to support in any way we can.
With gratitude,
The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement
June 9, 2022
Special thank you to: Driving Families Forward Coalition, Mayor Michelle Wu, Former Mayor Kim Janey, U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, MA House Speaker Ron Mariano, MA Senate President Karen Spilka, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Transportation Chair William M. Straus, Senate Transportation Chair Brendan P. Crighton, Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Rep. Christine P. Barber, Sen. Adam Gomez
