California has become the first state to allow illegal immigrants that are eligible for work permits under President Obama's new immigration policy to receive a California driver's license. California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that will require California's Department of Motor Vehicles to accept whatever documentation the federal government gives to applicants in the deferred action program to serve as legal proof of residence. Assemblyman, Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles forwarded the bill (AB2189) which is seen as a victory for the undocumented immigrants of California.
Young immigrants that were accepted by Obama's federal program giving work permits to those who came to this country before they were 16 and now are 30 or younger would most likely be able to get a California driver's license.
Immigration reform is undoubtedly an issue of intense national focus. Whether or not that reform ought to be centered on immigration as a path to citizenship or as treated with a protectionist approach seems to be the hot topic. I would be rather surprised to see other states follow California. In fact, I would not be surprised to more states attempt to pass laws blocking the issuance of a driver's license to immigrant's that are eligible under the deferred action policy.
In order to determine if an undocumented immigrant is eligible for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, one must fill out a request for deferred action along with I-765 and I-765WS forms and submit them to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. More information on this process can be found here. However, this process can be difficult and I suggest speaking with an immigration attorney to help in the process.