Driver’s License Check Coming

As part of the continuing refinement of the E-Verify program, published reports indicate that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is planning to launch the Records and Information from DMVs for E-Verify (RIDE) program this spring. The RIDE system will automate motor vehicle document verification between DMVs and E-Verify users. As a result, E-Verify employers will be able to verify their new employee’s driver’s license, permit, or state-issued ID with the issuing U.S. jurisdiction. This enhancement to E-Verify is expected to reduce the ability of illegal workers to use identity fraud to make themselves appear employment authorized. As some states may prohibit access to photographs, the link between E-Verify and state DMV records initially may not enhance E-Verify’s photo-matching tool capability, which is currently limited to certain USCIS-issued documents (such as green cards) and U.S. passports and passport cards.