By Cesar Rodriguez, News Channel 3 Reporter
crodriguez@kesq.com

INDIO - Giving undocumented immigrants a license is a big debate in many states with a large immigrant population. State legislators have voted against past legislation, yet some local businesses are making thousands of dollars a day by selling international drivers licenses (IDL).

 I-D-Ls can be confused with an I-D-P or international driving permit. according to the state department -- tourists use I-D-P's when they travel. I-D-P is a translation of their real license used to drive abroad. triple-a and the national auto club sell them for less than $30.

 I-D-L's have the same function, but cost five times as much, and they're useless for undocumented immigrants who buy them in the hopes of driving, purchasing a home, and living the American dream.

We went undercover and visited several businesses in the valley selling I-D-Ls, and this is how the transaction went down:he Federal Trade Commission office in Southern California said the licenses are a scam and is investigating a handful of businesses who sell "i-d-ls",to bring them to justice. 

Buyer: "It's not authorized in the State of California?"

Vender: "It depends. A lot of people buy them and say--ya! I got pulled over and they just gave me a ticket...Other people say--No! They told me I need California drivers license."

Vender: " Maybe, the police wont accept it, but the judge will. Just depends."

Buyer: "how much are they?"

Vender: " A year is a hundred...three-years is $150.00...five years is $180.00...10-years $200.00"

According to local police the I-D-Ls are not a state issued licenses and will not be accepted on the road.

"I've had some people present them to me and my experience," Highway Patrol officer, Ramon Perez said. "You can tell by body language, hoping and praying that I bite of on this. Anybody that's been in law enforcement for longer than a week can identify that, this is not true or official document."

The Trade Commission recommends victims to report incidents or visit their website for more information on how to spot or stop a scam.