NEW YORK, NY February 24, 2005 —Noncitizens won't be able to get or renew a drivers license in New York now that state officials are appealing a judge's order. The Department of Motor Vehicles is reinstating its policy that requires immigration documents or a Social Security number to get a license.

A court order issued last Friday, said the DMV must stop refusing to renew licenses based on a persons immigration status. But the state attorney generals office appealed it and DMV officials say it's now on hold.

Over the last few days, immigrants have been rushing to renew expired licenses. Many were unsuccessful.

The court order was supposed to be temporary until the court considered a lawsuit filed by the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. Lawyers for the group say they will challenge the stay in court.

The DMV began checking social security numbers more than a year ago in an attempt to combat fraud and terrorism.