Hundreds of Fake Driver Licenses Confiscated

STAMFORD (AP) — Police have confiscated hundreds of fake international drivers’ licenses from undocumented immigrants in recent years, a growing problem that some say is driving up legal and insurance costs for taxpayers.

Critics say the problem stems from a short-sighted process implemented by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“A state resident who is not necessarily a US citizen can get divorced, pay taxes, and buy a house. But they can’t get a driver’s license,” said attorney Alex Martinez.

For the past three years, DMV offices have been cracking down on undocumented citizens by requiring a Social Security number on the application form to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license.

“We’re implementing the law,” said DMV spokesman Bill Seymour. “The requirement to ask for a Social Security number has been on-again and off-again. At this time, it has become mandatory.”

Mr Seymour said DMV investigators are looking into the fake international licenses.

The problem could get worse Monday, when the DMV plans to introduce a new application form that clearly states all applicants must submit identification that includes a Social Security number, Mr Seymour said.

As a result, undocumented residents drive without licenses or buy fake international drivers’ licenses, which can cost up to $1,000, police said.

Attorney Matthew Maddox said preventing immigrants from driving affects everyone by increasing the cost of public defenders used by unlicensed drivers when they go to court.

The problem also affects insurance rates. As more insured drivers are involved in collisions with uninsured drivers, insurance rates increase.

“The rate of the insurance goes up because the claims go up,” said Angie Florek of Allstate Insurance.

Stamford police have confiscated about 300 fake international drivers’ licenses, said Sgt Andrew Gallagher, head of the department’s traffic unit. Most are from Latin American and Caribbean countries.

When officers noticed an increase in such licenses, police investigated and discovered the companies that issued the licenses are fake. Some were nothing more than a one-man operation in the back room of a bodega.

“At first, you feel for these people because they come here with no identification, not even a birth certificate,” Sgt Gallagher said. “Half the time, they can’t establish their identification.”

Mr Maddox and Mr Martinez said the problem will continue because the process is unfair.

“The majority of the people who come here are hard-working,” Mr Maddox said. “Despite the influx, Latino Americans are mostly getting into trouble because of these car issues. All they want to do is do things the right way, to get to their jobs.”