District Of Columbia § 50-1401.05 - Limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-1401.05 — Limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-1401.05. Limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card.
50-1401.05The Mayor, consistent with subsections (b) and (c) of this section, shall issue a limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card to an applicant who:
Has resided in the District for longer than 6 months;
Has not been assigned a social security number;
Has been assigned a social security number but cannot establish legal presence in the United States at the time of application; or
Is ineligible to obtain a social security number; and
Meets the requirements of this section.
To obtain a limited purpose driver’s license or permit in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, an applicant shall:
Provide, under penalty of perjury, proof of identity, date of birth, and residency to the Department of Motor Vehicles (“Department”) as defined by the Department by rule; and
Satisfy the applicable requirements of and sections 100 through 111 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (18 DCMR §§ ); provided, that the Mayor shall not require an applicant for a limited purpose driver’s license or permit under this section to provide a social security number or any document to prove the absence of a social security number.
An applicant shall include a certified translation of a document provided that is not in English.
To obtain a limited purpose identification card in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, an applicant shall:
Meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section; and
Meet the applicable requirements of section 112 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (18 DCMR § 112); provided, that the Mayor shall not require an applicant for a limited purpose identification card under this section to provide a social security number or any document to prove the absence of a social security number.
A limited purpose driver’s license or identification card issued under subsection (a) of this section shall be valid for 8 years. A limited purpose learner’s or provisional permit shall be valid for the time period as set forth in §§ and .
An individual who is issued a limited purpose driver’s license or permit under this section shall have the equivalent authorization to operate a motor vehicle as provided in and shall be subject to all statutory and regulatory provisions pertaining to driver licensing and operation of a motor vehicle.
A limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card issued under subsection (a) of this section shall state the following on the face of the card and in its machine-readable zone in a font size no larger than the smallest font size otherwise appearing on the card: “Not valid for official federal purposes.”
The Mayor may incorporate different features but only if doing so would result in a card that appears more similar to a license issued under , or if required by the Department of Homeland Security; provided, that the Mayor does so to the minimum extent necessary to comply.
A limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card issued under subsection (a) of this section shall not be used to consider an individual’s citizenship or immigration status, or as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest, or detention.
The Mayor, pursuant to [ et seq.], may issue rules to implement the provisions of this section. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the proposed rules, in whole or in part, by resolution within this 45-day period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-1401.05
What does D.C. Code § 50-1401.05 cover?
Section 50-1401.05 ("Limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 50-1401.05?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-1401.05" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 50-1401.05 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.