Mayor Vincent Gray signed a bill today that will allow undocumented people in D.C. to obtain a special driver’s license or identification card. No, he did not announce either way if he intends to seek reelection.

“We think this will be historic,” Gray told those assembled in the basement of the Wilson Building. “We won’t be the first, but we’re among the select few.”

Under the bill, which will become law after a 30-day congressional review period and take effect next May, undocumented residents will be able to legally drive and register their cars with a license that states “not valid for official federal purposes.”

“All of that regardless of citizenship or immigration status,” Gray said to applause.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson, who called this a “difficult issue,” said the limited-purpose license “really isn’t that distinguishable” from the regular one in D.C. The Council was forced to back track on a plan to issue the common license to undocumented people because of the threat of Real I.D. enforcement.

Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) said there were two fundamental issues at play with the licenses: safety and “common humanity.”

“There are those who had wanted the District of Columbia to not have these licenses because they want a level of cruelty to operate on people who are here because they’re [undocumented],” she said. “We reject that out of hand.”

“What we want if a reflection of our common humanity.”

After the press conference was over, and all the pens given away, DCist asked Mendelson if he thinks undocumented people will actually get the licenses. The Council Chair explained that, in other states with similar programs, that was not an issue. “Really it’s a choice between being able to drive illegally and legally,” he continued. “They’re no better off if they’re driving without a license. In fact, they’re worse off. I think we will find that people will make a choice of this.”

Gray addressed a similar question from WJLA’s Sam Ford, who wondered if a license could be used against an undocumented person. “It might. We hope not,” Gray replied.

He added that people are not forced to apply for a license.