HB 3029

Title: An act relating to use of Mexican consular photo identification cards for identification purposes.

Brief Description: Authorizing the use of Mexican consular photo identification cards for identification purposes.

Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold, Kenney, Moeller, Quall, Lovick, Sommers, Santos, Lantz, Conway and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/5/04

Staff: Trudes Tango Hutcheson (786-7384).

Background:

The matricula consular is the identification card issued by a Mexican consulate to Mexican nationals living in the United States. A matricula consular does not change the immigration status of the holder. It does not act as a work permit or "green card" or authorize entry into the United States.

The matricula consular includes a photo and the address of the holder. It does not include a physical description of the holder. To receive a matricula consular, the applicant must appear in person, present an original birth certificate to prove Mexican nationality, present a government-issued photo identification, and present proof of address in the state.

Some Washington cities, such as Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, Lacey, Burien, and Yakima have recognized the matricula consular as a legitimate form of identification. Some banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Key Bank, and Washington Mutual, also recognize the card. On the other hand, some states have prohibited the use of the card for identification purposes by state agencies.

An applicant for a state driver's license or identicard for identification purposes must present proof of identification to the Department of Licensing (DOL) by providing either:

(a) one primary document containing the applicant's signature and photograph;

(b) one supporting document and two alternate documents; or

(c) a minimum of five alternate documents.

The matricula consular is one of the alternate documents that the DOL may accept to show proof of identification.

Summary of Bill:

The DOL is authorized to adopt rules governing the use of the matricula consular as identifying documentation for the purposes of obtaining a driver's license or state identicard.

State and local law enforcement agencies, cities, towns, and counties are authorized to accept the matricula consular as a valid form of identification for all purposes for which a driver's license is not legally required.

Check cashers and financial institutions, such as state-chartered banks, credit unions, and mutual savings banks, are authorized to accept the matricula consular as a valid form of identification. Out-of-state banks and national banks are encouraged to accept the matricula consular.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.