Non-Citizens Can Get a Driver's License in Most States, But Rules Vary Widely

Yes, non-citizens can obtain a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the rules differ significantly depending on your immigration status and which state you live in. Some states issue standard licenses to anyone with valid identification and proof of residency, regardless of citizenship. Other states restrict licenses to citizens and lawful permanent residents only. A third group issues special licenses or permits specifically for non-citizens, often called REAL ID-noncompliant licenses or driving privilege cards.

The key factor is not whether you are a citizen, but whether your state has chosen to allow it and what documents you can provide to prove your identity and residency. Federal law does not require states to verify citizenship for a standard driver's license—that is a state decision. However, federal law does affect which licenses can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • Nineteen states plus D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid identification and proof of residency, regardless of immigration status.
  • States that do allow non-citizen licenses typically require a valid passport, consular ID, or other government-issued identification from your home country, plus proof of state residency.
  • Some states issue special driving privilege cards or restricted licenses to non-citizens instead of standard licenses; these cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel.
  • You will need to visit your state DMV in person with original documents; online or mail-in renewal may not be available for non-citizen licenses in some states.
  • Your license will expire when your visa or immigration document expires, or at a shorter interval set by your state, whichever comes first.

Which States Allow Non-Citizens to Get a Standard Driver's License

As of 2024, the following states and D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to non-citizens without requiring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Each of these states has passed legislation allowing the DMV to issue licenses based on identity and residency alone.

In these states, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have a specific immigration status. You do need a valid form of identification—typically a passport, consular ID card, national ID from your home country, or a visa paired with another document—and proof that you live in that state. The specific documents accepted vary by state, so you must check your state DMV's website before you go.

A standard license issued to a non-citizen in these states is identical to one issued to a citizen and can be used for all purposes, including domestic air travel and federal building access, as long as it meets REAL ID standards. However, some states have chosen to issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to non-citizens, while others have not; check your state's policy.

States That Restrict Licenses to Citizens and Permanent Residents

The remaining states require proof of lawful permanent residency or U.S. citizenship to obtain a standard driver's license. In these states, non-citizens without a green card cannot get a license, even if they have a valid visa and proof of residency.

If you are a non-citizen living in one of these states, your options are limited. Some states in this group offer no alternative at all. Others offer a state ID card that allows you to drive but is not recognized for federal purposes. A few states issue driving privilege cards or restricted licenses specifically for non-citizens, though these are not standard licenses and come with limitations.

If you are in a restrictive state and need to drive, you may be able to use an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country, paired with your passport. An IDP is not a license but a translation of your home country's license and is valid in the U.S. for a limited time. However, an IDP does not replace a state license for long-term driving.

Documents You Will Need to Bring to the DMV

The documents required depend on your state and your immigration status. In states that allow non-citizens to get a license, the DMV will ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Proof of identity typically includes a valid passport, consular ID card, national ID from your home country, or a visa paired with another government-issued ID. Some states accept a visa alone if it is paired with a document showing your name and date of birth. Check your state DMV's list of acceptable documents before you visit.

Proof of residency usually means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be recent—usually dated within the last 60 days—and in your name. A letter from an employer or landlord may work if it includes your address and is on official letterhead.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or IRS letter. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you visit the DMV. Some states allow you to explore for both the ITIN and the license at the same time.

How License Expiration Works for Non-Citizens

In most states that issue licenses to non-citizens, your license will expire on the earlier of two dates: the expiration date of your visa or immigration document, or the standard expiration date for that license type in your state. For example, if your visa expires in two years but standard licenses in your state are valid for eight years, your license will expire when your visa expires.

Some states set a shorter expiration period for non-citizen licenses—for example, one year instead of the standard four or eight years. Check your state's policy before you explore, because you may need to renew more frequently than a citizen would.

When your license expires, you will need to renew it in person at the DMV with updated documents showing your current immigration status. If your visa has expired and you have not obtained a new one, you cannot renew your license. If you have obtained a new visa or changed your immigration status, bring documentation of that change.

Special Licenses and Driving Privilege Cards for Non-Citizens

Some states that do not issue standard licenses to non-citizens offer an alternative: a driving privilege card or restricted license. These documents allow you to drive within the state but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

States that offer driving privilege cards include Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, though the rules and names vary. In some cases, these cards are available only to non-citizens with certain visa types or work authorizations. In others, they are available to any non-citizen with valid identification and proof of residency.

A driving privilege card typically looks different from a standard license and is marked as not valid for federal purposes. It is valid only for driving and is not accepted as identification for other purposes. If you need a card that can be used for identification beyond driving, you will need to obtain a state ID card instead, which is available to non-citizens in most states.

What Happens If You Move to a Different State

If you move from a state that allows non-citizen licenses to a state that does not, you will need to surrender your old license and follow the new state's rules. If the new state does not allow non-citizen licenses, you cannot obtain a standard license there, even though you had one in your previous state.

If you move from a restrictive state to a state that allows non-citizen licenses, you can explore for a new license in your new state. You will need to provide the same documents as any other non-citizen applicant in that state: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN.

Some states allow you to transfer your license from another state if you move there, but this option is typically available only to citizens and permanent residents. As a non-citizen, you will usually need to explore for a new license rather than transfer an old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I am on a student visa?

Yes, in states that allow non-citizens to get licenses. You will need your passport, visa, proof of residency (such as a lease or dorm assignment letter), and proof of Social Security number or ITIN. Your license will expire when your visa expires or at the state's standard expiration date, whichever is sooner.

What if my passport is expired but my visa is still valid?

Most states require a valid passport to prove your identity. An expired passport is not acceptable. You will need to renew your passport with your home country's consulate or embassy before you can explore for a driver's license. Some states may accept a consular ID card instead if your passport is being renewed.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of getting a state license?

An International Driving Permit is valid in the U.S. for a limited time—usually one year—but it is not a replacement for a state license. If you plan to drive long-term, you need a state license or driving privilege card. An IDP is useful only as a temporary document while you are arranging a state license.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license as a non-citizen?

Most states require either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the DMV. Some states allow you to explore for an ITIN and a license at the same time, but you should check your state's policy first.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration status or visa?

No. Obtaining a driver's license does not change your immigration status or affect your visa. A driver's license is a state document for driving purposes only and is separate from federal immigration documents. However, you should not misrepresent your immigration status on the process.