The Need for a Federal Driver's License and Title System for Nomads: A Practical Solution for Modern America

The Need for a Federal Driver's License and Title System for Nomads: A Practical Solution for Modern America

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who has lived through a myriad of ideological transitions—from being a former vegan and socialist to a Christian conservative LDS—I have learned the importance of freedom, flexibility, and innovation in both personal and professional life. Over the years, my experiences have shaped my view on several pressing issues, including how American laws can evolve to better accommodate people like me: individuals with a nomadic lifestyle who often live and work in multiple states.

In today's world, many of us, especially those involved in business, consulting, or other remote work, live in more than one state at a time. With the rise of telecommuting and the increasing prevalence of contractors and consultants, a new challenge has emerged—how to manage the complexities of living and working across state lines, particularly when it comes to things like driver's licenses, vehicle titles, and federal license plates.

Currently, we are required to obtain a separate driver’s license, title, and license plates for each state we live in. This system does not adequately address the needs of modern nomads. I am not suggesting we should abolish state-issued driver's licenses and plates—far from it. But I do believe that a more flexible, federal solution should be made available to people like myself, who have businesses and responsibilities in multiple states. A system that allows for a federal driver's license, title, and license plates could dramatically simplify our lives and make it easier to navigate between states without unnecessary bureaucracy.

The current system forces us to go through the tedious process of getting new licenses and plates every time we move between states, even if the nature of our work doesn't tie us permanently to one location. For someone who spends significant time in two or more states, this process is not just inconvenient—it can be a hindrance to the very mobility that makes my lifestyle and business possible. The lack of a federal system also creates problems for people like me who are legally permitted to buy firearms in one state but are restricted from doing so in another simply because we don't hold a driver's license in that state. This is a logical contradiction: the law doesn't recognize the reality of our multifaceted lives, forcing us to jump through hoops that do not add to our safety or the community's security.

Furthermore, for individuals who work from home or who are in situations where they travel frequently for work, the current system is outdated and burdensome. Many consultants, contractors, and remote workers must live in different places throughout the year, often depending on where their work takes them. The current system forces them to change their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations each time they switch their primary residence, even if they continue to maintain strong connections in multiple states. A federal system would allow people to maintain their legal identity and responsibilities, regardless of where they are living at the moment.

What would a federal driver's license, title, and license plate system look like? It could be modeled after the existing federal tax ID system, where citizens could apply for a single federal identification number that links them to their vehicles and other relevant state databases. This would give people the option to register their vehicles and obtain their driver's licenses with the federal government, while still maintaining their right to interact with state systems when necessary.

This change would not eliminate states' rights or control over transportation and law enforcement. Instead, it would offer a parallel, federal option for those who need it. It would enable greater mobility, reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles, and make life simpler for countless individuals who are contributing to the economy in dynamic ways. It would also bring us closer to a system that recognizes the modern realities of how work, family, and life often require a more flexible approach.

For people like me, the flexibility to move freely between states is not just a matter of convenience—it is a necessity. It is an essential component of our freedom to operate in a globalized, mobile society. The government must adapt to this changing reality and give us the tools we need to live and work efficiently, regardless of the state lines that divide us.

Citations:

1. "Federal vs. State Laws: A Complex Relationship," National Conference of State Legislatures
2. "State Driver’s License Requirements," U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles
3. "Why the Federal Government Should Create a National Driver’s License," The American Interest, December 2020