How to Get a Driver's License as a Non-Citizen

What Non-Citizens Can Do to Get a Driver's License

You can get a driver's license in most U.S. states even if you are not a citizen, but the documents you need and the type of license available depend on your immigration status and which state you live in. Some states issue standard licenses to all applicants regardless of citizenship; others issue licenses only to people with specific visa types or legal residency status; and a few states require proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

The key difference is between states that check immigration status through the federal REAL ID system and states that do not. If your state participates in REAL ID verification, you will need to prove lawful presence — meaning a valid visa, work permit, green card, or other federal immigration document. If your state does not use REAL ID verification, you may be able to get a license with just a passport and proof of state residency, regardless of your immigration status.

Key Takeaways

States fall into three categories: those that require proof of lawful presence, those that do not check immigration status at all, and those that issue special licenses to people without lawful presence.
Lawful presence means you have a valid visa, work permit, green card, or other federal immigration document — not citizenship.
You will need a passport or travel document from your home country, proof of state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Some states issue ITIN driver's licenses specifically for people who cannot provide a Social Security Number, and these licenses work for driving but not for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
Your state's DMV website lists exactly what documents it accepts; calling ahead or visiting in person prevents wasted trips.

States That Require Proof of Lawful Presence

About half of U.S. states require you to prove lawful presence to get a standard driver's license. These states use the federal REAL ID verification system, which checks your documents against immigration databases. Lawful presence includes valid work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), temporary protected status (TPS), deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), green cards, and valid visitor visas (B-1, B-2).

In these states, you will need to bring your passport, a valid visa or immigration document, proof of state residency, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. The DMV will photocopy your immigration documents and verify them through federal systems. Processing times are usually 1 to 2 weeks longer than for citizens because of the verification step.

States in this category include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States That Do Not Check Immigration Status

A smaller group of states does not verify immigration status through REAL ID or any other federal system. These states will issue a standard driver's license to anyone who meets the residency and age requirements and provides the required documents, regardless of citizenship or visa status. This means you can get a license with a passport and proof you live in the state, even if you are in the country on a visitor visa or without authorization.

In these states, you still need a passport or travel document, proof of state residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and proof of your state residency period (usually 30 to 90 days). Some states in this group ask for a Social Security Number but will accept an ITIN or a letter from your employer or bank if you do not have either.

States that do not check immigration status include California, Hawaii, Illinois (for certain applicants), New Mexico (for certain applicants), New York (for certain applicants), Oregon, Utah (for certain applicants), and Washington (for certain applicants). Rules change frequently, so check your state DMV website before you go.

ITIN Driver's Licenses and Special Licenses for Non-Citizens

Some states issue ITIN driver's licenses — licenses specifically for people who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number but no Social Security Number. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number, including many non-citizens. You can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing a tax return or by explore directly through Form W-7.

An ITIN driver's license works for driving, traffic stops, and state identification purposes. It does not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account. Some states mark ITIN licenses differently on the card itself so law enforcement can see at a glance that it is not a standard license.

States that issue ITIN licenses include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and others. A few states issue licenses to people without any Social Security Number or ITIN if they can prove state residency and pass the written and driving tests.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs require the same core set. Bring your passport or travel document from your home country — this is your primary proof of identity. If you have a visa, work permit, green card, or other immigration document, bring that too, because some states require it and all states will accept it.

Bring proof of state residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, or court document) with your name and current address. Most states require the document to be dated within the last 30 to 90 days. If you just moved, bring two documents showing your previous address and current address, or bring a signed letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead confirming your address.

Bring your Social Security Number if you have one, or your ITIN if you have one. If you have neither, bring a letter from your employer, bank, or a government agency confirming your identity. Bring your completed driver's license process form (available on your state DMV website or at the DMV office). Some states let you fill it out online before you arrive.

How to Find Out What Your State Requires

Do not assume your state's rules based on neighboring states or what you heard from a friend. Rules vary widely and change often. Go to your state DMV website and search for "non-citizen driver's license" or "REAL ID requirements." Most state DMV sites have a page listing exactly what documents non-citizens need to bring.

If the website is unclear, call your state DMV customer service line and ask: "I am a non-citizen with [your visa type or status]. What documents do I need to get a driver's license?" Write down the answer, the name of the person you spoke to, and the date. Bring that note with you to the DMV so there is no confusion when you arrive.

Some states require you to make an appointment before you visit; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state DMV website for appointment rules and current wait times. If your state is experiencing long wait times, you may want to visit early in the morning on a weekday rather than on a weekend or near the end of the month.

Common Mistakes Non-Citizens Make When explore

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. Many people bring a visa or work permit but forget to bring proof of state residency, or they bring a utility bill that is more than 90 days old. The DMV will turn you away and you will have to come back. Before you go, check your state DMV website one more time and make a list of every document you need.

Another mistake is not knowing your ITIN or Social Security Number. If you have filed taxes or worked in the U.S., you likely have an ITIN. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or check your tax return to find it. If you do not have either, ask your employer or bank whether they have it on file — they can usually tell you over the phone.

A third mistake is assuming you cannot get a license because you do not have lawful presence. Even if your state requires proof of lawful presence, you may still be able to get a license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. And if your state does not check immigration status, you can get a license regardless. Do not give up without checking your specific state's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your state. If your state requires proof of lawful presence, yes — a valid B-1 or B-2 visitor visa counts as lawful presence. If your state does not check immigration status, yes — you can get a license with just your passport and proof of state residency. Check your state DMV website to confirm.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport still works as proof of identity for a driver's license in most states. The DMV is checking that the passport is genuine and that it matches your face, not that it is currently valid for travel. Bring your expired passport and ask the DMV staff whether they will accept it.

Do I need a Social Security Number to get a driver's license?

Not in all states. Many states accept an ITIN instead. Some states accept a letter from your employer or bank if you have neither. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to ask what you can bring if you do not have a Social Security Number.

Will a non-citizen driver's license work for flying on a domestic airplane?

Only if it is a standard REAL ID-compliant license. ITIN licenses and special licenses for non-citizens do not work for federal purposes like boarding a plane. You will need a passport or other federal travel document. Check your license to see whether it says "REAL ID compliant" or has a star in the corner.

What if I do not have proof of state residency?

Most DMVs will accept a signed letter from your landlord, employer, or a government agency on letterhead confirming your name and address. Some will accept a bank statement or utility bill in someone else's name if you can show proof that you live there (a lease agreement or a letter from the account holder). Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

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.