How Immigrants Can Get a Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Getting a License as an Immigrant

Most U.S. states issue driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, but the documents you bring and the process you follow depend on your state and your specific immigration category. Some states require proof of legal presence; others do not. Some accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number. A few states have separate license categories for people without lawful status. The fastest way to find out what your state requires is to call your state DMV directly or visit its website — the rules differ enough that a neighbor's experience may not match yours.

This guide covers the main pathways: which states do not require proof of legal status, which states do, what documents to bring, how the tests work, and what happens if your state offers a restricted license. It also explains processing times and fees. Your state DMV website is the final authority on your specific situation, and calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

Twelve states and Washington, D.C. issue licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status; most other states require proof of legal presence or a visa.
You will need a valid passport or travel document from your home country, proof of state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN.
Some states accept a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular) as proof of identity if you do not have a passport.
The written test and vision test are the same for all applicants; you can request the test in languages other than English in most states.
Processing times vary by state but typically range from one to four weeks after you pass the tests and submit all documents.

States That Do Not Require Proof of Legal Immigration Status

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. issue driver's licenses to all residents who meet the state's residency and age requirements, regardless of immigration status. These states do not ask about your immigration category or require you to prove lawful presence. You still need to provide identity documents (a valid passport or travel document), proof of state residency, and a Social Security Number or ITIN.

If you live in one of these states, the process is simpler: you bring your documents to the DMV, pass the written and vision tests, and receive your license. No immigration verification step slows down the process. However, the specific documents each state accepts vary slightly, so check your state DMV's website before you go. Some of these states also issue licenses under different names — for example, California calls it an AB 60 license — but the effect is the same: you get a standard driver's license that works for driving and identification purposes.

States That Require Proof of Legal Presence

The majority of states require you to prove you are in the United States lawfully. This means you must show a visa, green card, work permit, asylum approval, or other document that proves your legal status. If you have a visa in your passport, bring the passport. If you have a green card, bring it. If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), bring that. States in this category include Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and many others.

The exact list of states requiring legal presence changes as states pass new laws, so confirm your state's current rule on its DMV website before you make the trip. If you cannot prove legal presence, you will not be issued a standard driver's license in these states, though some offer a separate license or ID card with limited use (see the section below on restricted licenses). Call your state DMV to ask which documents count as proof of legal presence — some states accept more forms of documentation than others.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Regardless of your state, you will need to bring several documents to the DMV. Bring your valid passport or travel document from your home country — this is your primary identity proof. If you do not have a passport, some states accept a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate. A Mexican matricula consular, for example, is accepted in many states as proof of identity. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm whether your specific consular card is accepted.

You will also need proof that you live in the state. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days. Bring two forms of proof if your state requires it; check your DMV's website for the exact number. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your address can work as temporary proof.

Finally, bring either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can obtain an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7. Many immigrants use an ITIN to get a driver's license even if they are not required to file taxes. Some states accept an ITIN; others do not. Call your state DMV to confirm whether your state accepts ITINs before you explore. If your state does not accept ITINs and you do not have a Social Security Number, you may not be able to get a license in that state unless it offers a restricted license option.

The Written Test and Vision Test

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test given to all applicants in your state, regardless of immigration status. You can request the test in a language other than English in most states — Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages are available depending on your state. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm which languages are offered and whether you need to schedule an interpreter or if one is available on the day you test.

The vision test checks your eyesight to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. You can retake the vision test if you fail it, usually on the same day or at a follow-up appointment.

You can study for the written test using your state's official driver's manual, which is available free on your state DMV's website. Many states also offer practice tests online. Spend time on the manual before you go to the DMV — the test is not difficult, but it does require you to know specific rules and sign meanings. Most states allow you to miss a certain number of questions and still pass; check your state's passing score before you test.

Restricted or Limited Licenses in States Without Status-Neutral Rules

If you live in a state that requires proof of legal presence and you cannot provide it, some states offer an alternative: a restricted license or ID card. These documents allow you to drive but may have limitations — for example, they may not be accepted as identification for air travel or federal buildings. Arizona, Tennessee, and a few other states issue these restricted licenses. The restrictions vary by state, so you need to understand exactly what you can and cannot do with the license before you explore.

A restricted license is not the same as a standard driver's license, and you should understand the limitations before you explore. Some employers and insurance companies may not recognize it. Some states allow you to use a restricted license for driving and in-state identification only. Check your state DMV's website or call to learn whether your state offers this option, what the restrictions are, and whether the fee is the same as a standard license. If your state does not offer a restricted license and you cannot prove legal presence, you will not be able to get a license from that state's DMV.

Processing Time and Fees

After you pass the written and vision tests and submit all your documents, the DMV will process your process. Processing times vary by state and by how busy your local DMV office is. Most states issue licenses within one to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $25. A few states issue licenses on the same day if you pass both tests and bring all required documents, but this is less common.

License fees also vary by state. A standard driver's license typically costs between $20 and $60 for a four- to eight-year term. If you are renewing rather than getting your first license, the fee may be lower. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee and whether you can pay by cash, check, or card at your local office. Some DMVs charge an additional fee if you need your license in a language other than English or if you request a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your state. States that require proof of legal presence will accept a tourist visa as proof. However, your license will typically expire when your visa expires, so you may need to renew it sooner than someone with a longer-term visa. Check your state DMV's website or call to confirm how long your license will be valid and what happens when your visa expires.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport is still valid for proving identity at the DMV in most states. However, if you are in the United States on a visa, your visa must be current and valid. If your visa has expired, you will not be able to prove legal presence in states that require it. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether an expired passport is acceptable in your state.

Do I need to pass the written test in English?

No. You can request the test in another language in most states. Call your DMV ahead of time to find out which languages are available and whether you need to schedule an appointment or bring an interpreter. Some DMVs have interpreters on staff; others require you to bring your own or may charge a fee for interpretation services.

Can I use a consular ID card instead of a passport?

Yes, in many states. A consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate is accepted as proof of identity in most states that issue licenses to immigrants. However, not all states accept all types of consular cards. Check your state DMV's website or call to confirm whether your specific card is accepted before you make the trip.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new license in your new state. Most states do not recognize licenses issued by other states to people without proof of legal presence. Bring your current license, passport, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of legal presence (if required by the new state). You may need to take the written test again, depending on the new state's rules.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.