Number of Utah Driver Cards Issued to Immigrants Falls

The number of driver privilege cards issued in Utah to immigrants in the United States without permission hit a six-year low in 2014, state figures show.

The 35,200 cards issued last year are down from a high of 43,000 in 2008. The state issued 36,300 in 2013 and 36,900 in 2012.

Since 2005, Utah has issued driving-privilege cards that must be renewed annually for those who cannot prove they’re in the country legally.

The figures show that immigration has slowed in Utah, said Pam Perlich, senior research economist at the University of Utah.

The Pew Research Center estimates that there are 100,000 immigrants without legal permission living in Utah.

Normal driver-privilege cards are good for only one year. They cost $25 for an adult and $30 for people under 21 — the same cost as a regular driver’s license. But unlike regular driver’s licenses that are valid for five years, immigrants have to renew and pay each year. They must also pay $55 for fingerprints and background check. The costs may be a slight deterrence for some, said Garza and Mark Alvarez, an attorney and activist in the Latino community.