What undocumented immigrants can do right now
Yes — you can get a driver's license in many U.S. states even if you are undocumented. The rules vary significantly by state, and some states have made this possible only in recent years. About 20 states currently issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, though the requirements and the documents you'll need differ from state to state.
The key difference is that states issuing licenses to undocumented people do not require proof of legal immigration status. Instead, they ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a state ID number, or other forms of identity that don't depend on citizenship. Some states also accept a combination of documents — like a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID — to prove who you are.
If you live in a state that does not currently issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, you have limited options within that state. Some people travel to a neighboring state where they are able to get a license, though this creates its own complications. Understanding what your state allows is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- About 20 states issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, but the specific documents required and the process differ by state.
- Most states that allow this do not ask for proof of citizenship or legal immigration status, instead accepting an ITIN, state ID, or consulate documents.
- You will need to prove your identity and residency in the state where you explore, just as any driver would.
- States that do not issue licenses to undocumented people offer no legal path to licensure within that state, and traveling to another state to get a license creates legal and practical risks.
Which states allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license
The states that currently issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. This list has grown over the past 15 years as individual states have changed their laws, and it may continue to change.
Each of these states has its own rules about which documents you need, how long the license lasts, and whether it can be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane. Some states issue a standard driver's license identical to what citizens receive. Others issue a license marked as valid only for driving and state ID purposes, not for federal identification.
If your state is not on this list, there is no legal pathway to getting a license in your state. Some people attempt to get a license in a neighboring state where they have no actual residency, but this carries legal risk — it can be treated as fraud, and a license obtained this way may not be recognized in your home state.
Documents you will need to bring
The documents required vary by state, but most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants ask for proof of identity and proof of state residency. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal immigration status.
Common identity documents accepted include: a valid passport from your country of origin, a consulate ID card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS. Some states accept multiple documents in combination — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill.
For proof of residency, most states accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and a current address in that state. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Check your specific state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements do change.
The written test and road test are the same for everyone
Once you have submitted your documents and been approved to test, the written knowledge test and the road test are identical to what any other driver takes. You study the same driver's manual, answer the same questions, and demonstrate the same driving skills.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states allow you to take this test in multiple languages — check your state DMV's website to see which languages are available. The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner who watches you drive and evaluates whether you can operate a vehicle safely.
If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period — often a few days to a week — before you can test again. The number of attempts allowed varies by state.
How the process process works in states that allow it
The process begins at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will visit in person with your documents, fill out an process form, and pay a fee. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $30 to $100 for a driver's license.
After you submit your process and documents, the DMV will review them. If everything is in order, you will be scheduled for the written test. Once you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test. If you pass the road test, you receive your license — usually on the same day, though some states mail it to you.
The entire process from process to license typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how busy your local DMV is and how quickly you schedule your tests. Some states have longer wait times than others.
What you can and cannot do with an undocumented immigrant driver's license
A driver's license issued to an undocumented immigrant is valid for driving and for state identification purposes — things like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or buying alcohol. You can use it to drive legally in all 50 states, even if you obtained it in a state other than where you currently live.
However, some states mark these licenses as not valid for federal identification purposes. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or use it for TSA PreCheck. If your state's license is marked this way, you would need a passport or other federal ID for those purposes.
A driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a pathway to citizenship. It is purely a license to drive and a form of state identification. Having a license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, and it does not give you legal status.
If your state does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants
If you live in a state that does not allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license, you have no legal option to get one in that state. Some people attempt to get a license in a neighboring state by claiming residency there, but this is considered fraud and can result in criminal charges, license revocation, and complications with immigration proceedings.
In states without a legal pathway, some undocumented immigrants drive without a license. This carries serious risk: if you are stopped by police, you can be cited, fined, have your vehicle impounded, and face criminal charges. A traffic stop can also trigger an immigration enforcement check.
Your options in a state without undocumented licensing are limited. You can advocate for your state to change its law, which some states have done in response to community organizing. You can also explore whether a neighboring state's license would be recognized where you live, though this is legally risky and not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting a driver's license put me at risk with immigration authorities?
A driver's license itself does not trigger immigration enforcement. However, any interaction with police — including a traffic stop — can lead to an immigration check. Getting a license does not protect you or change your immigration status. The decision to drive is a personal one that depends on your specific situation and risk tolerance.
Can I use an ITIN to get a driver's license if I don't have a passport?
It depends on your state. Some states accept an ITIN as proof of identity on its own. Others require an ITIN plus additional documents like a birth certificate or consulate ID. Check your state DMV's website or call them directly to confirm what documents they accept.
What if I got a license in one state and then moved to another?
Your license remains valid for driving in all states. However, if you move to a new state, you may be required to get a new license from that state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days. Check your new state's DMV rules to see if you need to transfer your license.
Can I get a license if I have a pending immigration case or deportation order?
Having a pending case or deportation order does not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver's license in states that issue them to undocumented immigrants. However, the decision to explore is a personal one. You may want to speak with an immigration attorney about the risks and benefits in your specific situation.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license as an undocumented immigrant?
No. States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants specifically do not require a Social Security number. They accept an ITIN, consulate ID, or other documents instead. This is one of the key differences between the standard licensing process and the process for undocumented immigrants.