Judge Allows New York's Controversial Green Light Driver's License Law to Proceed, Denying DOJ Challenge
On December 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ruled against the Department of Justice (DOJ) and allowed New York's Green Light Law to proceed, rejecting the administration's attempt to block the law.
The Green Light Law, officially known as the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, was enacted in 2019. It permits individuals without valid Social Security numbers to obtain standard driver's licenses using alternative identification methods. The law does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses; applicants must still acquire permits and pass road tests.
In February 2025, the DOJ filed a lawsuit claiming the law violated the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could obstruct federal immigration enforcement by limiting access to Department of Motor Vehicles records. DOJ spokesperson Pam Bondi criticized the law for prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens.
Judge Nardacci ruled that the DOJ failed to demonstrate the claimed constitutional violations. She noted that while the Green Light Law restricts some access to DMV records, information remains available to federal immigration authorities through court orders or warrants. The ruling did not address the policy merits of the law.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James defended the Green Light Law, with James affirming her commitment to stand up for New Yorkers and uphold the rule of law.
The decision came amid renewed attention following a January 2025 incident in Vermont, where a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was killed near the northern border. New York is among approximately a dozen states that permit driving privileges for undocumented residents.
