What Massachusetts requires from immigrant drivers
Massachusetts issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Massachusetts residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The state treats immigrant applicants the same way it treats all new drivers: you take a written test, a road test, and a vision screening. The main difference is in the documents you bring. Massachusetts accepts a wider range of identity documents than some states, including foreign passports and consular identification cards.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You do not need to be a citizen or have legal immigration status to get one.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts does not require citizenship or permanent residency to get a driver license; immigration status does not disqualify you.
- You need proof of identity (foreign passport or consular ID card work), proof of Massachusetts residency, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS; this takes several weeks by mail.
- The written test, road test, and vision screening are the same for all drivers; some Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) locations offer the written test in languages other than English.
- A Massachusetts driver license is valid for driving only and does not serve as proof of legal presence in the United States.
Documents you need to bring to the RMV
Bring your proof of identity first. Massachusetts accepts a foreign passport, a consular identification card issued by your country's consulate, or a national ID card from your home country. The document must be current and not expired. If your passport or ID is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.
Next, bring proof that you live in Massachusetts. The RMV accepts a lease or rental agreement, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a mortgage statement. The document must show your name and a Massachusetts address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or insurance bill also works if it shows your address.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you have an ITIN but no card, bring the IRS letter that assigned you the number, or bring your most recent tax return showing the ITIN. If you do not yet have either one, you will need to get an ITIN before you can explore for a license.
Bring your completed process for a Massachusetts Driver License or Learner's Permit (Form DL-44). You can fill it out at home or at the RMV. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections. You will also need to pay the license fee; the cost varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN, you must get an ITIN before you can explore for a Massachusetts driver license. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and is free. You explore by mail using Form W-7, process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
To explore for an ITIN, you need to send Form W-7 and proof of identity and proof of residency to the IRS. Acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport, a national ID card, or a consular identification card. Proof of residency can be a lease, utility bill, or bank statement — the same documents the RMV accepts. You can read Form W-7 from the IRS website or call 1-800-829-3676 to request it by mail.
Mail your completed form and documents to the IRS address listed on the form. Processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The IRS will send you a letter with your ITIN. Keep this letter; you will need to bring it to the RMV when you explore for your license. Do not explore for a driver license until you have received your ITIN letter from the IRS.
The written test and road test
The written test covers Massachusetts traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 out of 25 questions correctly to pass. Some RMV locations offer the written test in languages other than English, including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Call your local RMV ahead of time to find out which languages are available at your location.
If English is not your first language, you may bring an interpreter to help you understand the test questions. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. Some RMV locations have staff interpreters available; call ahead to ask. You can also use a certified interpreter you bring yourself.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail the road test, you can take it again after waiting a set number of days. There is a fee each time you take the test.
What happens after you pass the tests
Once you pass both the written test and the road test, you are issued a Massachusetts driver license. The license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is recognized by the federal government for domestic travel purposes. However, a Massachusetts driver license issued to someone without proof of legal presence does not serve as proof that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Your license will show your name, address, date of birth, and license number. It will also show an expiration date. Massachusetts driver licenses are valid for five years from the date they are issued. You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person at an RMV location before it expires.
If your immigration status changes — for example, if you become a permanent resident or a citizen — you do not need to get a new license. Your current license remains valid. If you move to a different address in Massachusetts, you must update your address with the RMV within 30 days.
Differences between a standard license and a REAL ID license
Massachusetts offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number or ITIN and proof of your legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents for legal presence include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a permanent resident card, a visa, or an employment authorization document. If you do not have one of these documents, you can only get a standard license, which is still valid for driving.
A standard license is perfectly legal for driving in Massachusetts and everywhere else. It straightforward does not meet federal standards for boarding flights or entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly domestically or need to enter a federal building, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID in addition to your standard driver license.
Common questions about immigration status and licensing
Your immigration status is not checked when you explore for a driver license in Massachusetts. The RMV does not share your information with immigration authorities. However, a driver license is not proof of legal immigration status, and having one does not change your immigration status or your work authorization.
If you are undocumented, you can still get a standard driver license. You cannot get a REAL ID license without proof of legal presence. If you are in the process of explore for asylum or another immigration benefit, a driver license does not affect your case. If you are concerned about how a license might affect your immigration case, speak with an immigration attorney before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a foreign driver license instead of getting a Massachusetts license?
A foreign driver license is not valid for driving in Massachusetts. You must have a Massachusetts driver license or a valid license from another U.S. state. If you have a valid driver license from your home country, you can use it temporarily while you are visiting, but once you become a Massachusetts resident, you must get a Massachusetts license.
What if my passport or ID card is expired?
The RMV will not accept an expired passport or ID card as proof of identity. You must renew your passport or ID card before you explore for a driver license. Contact your country's consulate or embassy in the United States to find out how to renew it.
Do I need to be a permanent resident to get a REAL ID license?
No, but you do need to show proof of legal presence in the United States. This can be a visa, an employment authorization document, a pending asylum process receipt, or other federal immigration documents. A standard driver license does not require this proof.
How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the road test?
Your license is usually issued the same day you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the RMV, and your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can take the test again after waiting a set number of days. For the written test, you can retake it the next business day. For the road test, you must wait at least two business days. Each time you take a test, you pay a fee. There is no limit to how many times you can take the tests.