What you need to know before you explore

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can still get a driver's license in most states — but the documents you bring and the process you follow depend on your immigration status. States do not all require the same proof, and some have different rules for people on temporary visas, undocumented immigrants, or those with deferred action status. The key is knowing which state you are in and what documents that state will accept.

The real barrier is usually not your citizenship status but rather proof of identity and proof of your current address. States care less about where you are from than about being able to verify who you are and where you live right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states issue driver's licenses to non-citizens if you can show a valid passport or travel document, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Some states require a visa or proof of legal status; others do not ask about immigration status at all and will issue to anyone who meets the identity and residency requirements.
  • A few states issue licenses only to people with legal status, while a growing number issue licenses to undocumented immigrants under specific programs.
  • You will need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving test just as any other applicant would, regardless of your immigration status.
  • The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted at the DMV.

States that issue licenses to all non-citizens

About a dozen states do not ask about immigration status at all. These states will issue a driver's license to anyone who can prove identity and residency, regardless of whether you have a visa, green card, or no legal status. States in this group include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Each of these states treats a valid passport as proof of identity, and they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of a Social Security number.

In these states, you typically bring your passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The DMV will issue you a standard driver's license that works for driving and identification purposes.

States that require legal status or a visa

Other states require proof that you are in the country legally. This usually means showing a valid visa, a green card, or a work authorization document. States like Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming fall into this category.

If you are on an F-1 student visa, an H-1B work visa, an L-1 visa, or another temporary visa, you can usually get a license by showing your passport, your visa, your I-94 arrival/departure record, and proof of your address. If you have a green card, bring that instead. Some states in this group will also accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) card as proof of legal status.

States with special programs for undocumented immigrants

A small number of states have created special driver's license or permit programs for undocumented immigrants. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, and Washington offer these programs. The licenses or permits issued under these programs are valid for driving but may not be accepted for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

These programs typically require you to show a passport or consular ID, proof of your address, and proof of your identity through documents like a foreign driver's license, a school record, or a utility bill in your name. You do not need to show immigration status or a Social Security number. The process is the same as for a regular license — you take the written test and the driving test — but the document you receive may be labeled differently or have a different appearance.

Documents you will need to bring

The exact documents vary by state, but most states ask for the same basic categories. You will need proof of identity (a valid passport is the most common choice for foreigners), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Some states also ask for proof of your date of birth, which your passport provides.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation. You can get a certified translation from a translator, a consulate, or sometimes from a community organization in your area.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the Internal Revenue Service. This takes several weeks, so plan ahead. Some states will issue a license without an ITIN if you can show other proof of identity, but most require one or the other.

The written test and driving test

Once you have submitted your documents and they have been verified, you will take the written knowledge test and the driving test just as any other applicant does. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states offer the test in multiple languages — check your state's DMV website to see which languages are available.

You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and you will need to demonstrate that you can operate it safely. If you do not own a car, you can usually borrow one from a friend or family member, as long as it is registered and insured. Some states allow you to use a vehicle registered to someone else; others require the vehicle to be registered in your name or the name of a household member.

How long the process takes

The timeline depends on how quickly your documents are verified and how busy your local DMV is. In most states, if your documents are in order and you pass both tests on your first attempt, you can receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within two to four weeks. If your documents need further review — for example, if a translation needs to be certified or if your address needs to be verified — the process can take longer.

Some states have longer wait times than others. New York and California, which issue licenses to large numbers of non-citizens, sometimes have backlogs. Call your local DMV or check their website to find out the current wait time in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign driver's license instead of taking the test?

No. All states require you to pass the written test and the driving test, even if you have a valid driver's license from another country. Some states may waive the written test if you hold a current license from a country with which they have a reciprocal agreement, but this is rare and varies by state. Check with your DMV to see if your country qualifies.

What if my passport is about to expire?

You can still use it to get a driver's license as long as it is valid on the day you explore. Your driver's license will not expire just because your passport does. However, if you need to renew your license later, you will need a valid passport or another accepted form of identification at that time.

Do I need a visa to get a driver's license?

It depends on your state. States like California, New York, and Illinois do not require a visa. States like Texas, Florida, and Georgia do. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what your state requires.

Can I get a real ID if I am a foreigner?

Yes, but only if you have legal status. Real ID requires proof of legal presence in the United States, which means a visa, green card, work authorization, or DACA status. If you do not have legal status, you can get a standard driver's license in states that allow it, but not a Real ID.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7. This takes several weeks. Some states will issue a license without an ITIN if you can show other proof of identity, but most require one or the other. Contact your state DMV to find out whether an ITIN is required or whether you have other options.