SALEM (AP) — The Oregon Department of Transportation said its DMV offices will begin verifying immigration status for driver’s license applications or identification cards on Jan. 1 at its offices around the state.

The DMV will check immigration documents electronically using a federal Department of Homeland Security program called SAVE, for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements.

The state will not issue driving privileges or ID cards to applicants whose immigration documents cannot be verified with the SAVE system.

But applicants who meet all other Oregon requirements for a driver’s license may qualify for a temporary license to give the applicant time to resolve the problem.

The verification requirement was approved by the Legislature this year.

There are about 3 million licensed drivers in Oregon.