Which States Issue Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants
Twenty-one states plus Washington, D.C., issue driver's licenses or driving privilege cards to people without lawful immigration status. These states are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. The document you receive may be labeled a "driver's license," "driving privilege card," or "limited-term license," depending on the state.
The remaining states do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. In those states, you cannot legally obtain a standard driver's license without proof of lawful presence. Some states in this group offer no alternative; others have created separate documents that are not valid for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
The rules within each state that does issue licenses vary significantly. Some require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others require proof of state residency for a set period. A few states issue licenses valid for the same duration as those for citizens; others issue licenses with shorter validity periods or special markings.
Key Takeaways
- Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C., issue driver's licenses or driving privilege cards to undocumented immigrants, but the document name, validity period, and required documents differ by state.
- You will need to prove state residency (usually three to six months of utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements) and provide an ITIN or Social Security number, depending on the state.
- Licenses issued under these programs are generally valid only for driving within the United States and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
- The DMV office in your state will not share your information with federal immigration authorities, though this protection varies slightly by state law.
- Processing times range from same-day to several weeks, and fees vary from roughly $30 to $150 depending on the state and license type.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Every state that issues licenses to undocumented immigrants requires proof of identity and proof of state residency. The specific documents accepted vary, but the pattern is consistent across all twenty-one states.
For proof of identity, you may use a passport from your country of origin, a consular ID (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name and date of birth. Some states accept school records or medical records for this purpose. You do not need a U.S. passport or a Social Security card to prove identity.
For proof of state residency, bring documents dated within the last three to six months. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a government-issued tax return, or a letter from a government agency. Some states accept mail from your employer or a school enrollment letter. Bring at least two documents if possible; some states require two.
You will also need to provide either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you do not have either, you can obtain an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service by filing a tax return, even if you have no income. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some states allow you to explore for a license while your ITIN process is pending; others require the ITIN to be issued first.
State-by-State Requirements and Fees
| State | Document Type | Residency Proof Period | License Validity | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Driver's License | Proof of California residency required | 5 years | $35–$40 |
| Colorado | Driving Privilege Card | 3 months | 5 years | $30–$35 |
| Connecticut | Driver's License | Proof of Connecticut residency required | 6 years | $80–$90 |
| Delaware | Driver's License | Proof of Delaware residency required | 5 years | $40–$50 |
| Hawaii | Driver's License | Proof of Hawaii residency required | 4 years | $50–$60 |
| Illinois | Driving Privilege Card | Proof of Illinois residency required | 4 years | $40–$50 |
| Maryland | Driver's License | Proof of Maryland residency required | 5 years | $70–$80 |
| Minnesota | Driver's License | Proof of Minnesota residency required | 4 years | $35–$45 |
| Missouri | Driving Privilege Card | Proof of Missouri residency required | 4 years | $30–$40 |
| Nevada | Driver's License | Proof of Nevada residency required | 4 years | $50–$60 |
| New Mexico | Driver's License | Proof of New Mexico residency required | 4 years | $35–$45 |
| New York | Driver's License | Proof of New York residency required | 4 years | $70–$85 |
| North Carolina | Limited Driving Privilege | Proof of North Carolina residency required | 4 years | $40–$50 |
| Ohio | Driver's License | Proof of Ohio residency required | 4 years | $35–$45 |
| Oregon | Driver's License | Proof of Oregon residency required | 4 years | $50–$60 |
| Rhode Island | Driver's License | Proof of Rhode Island residency required | 5 years | $60–$70 |
| Tennessee | Driving Privilege Card | Proof of Tennessee residency required | 4 years | $35–$45 |
| Utah | Driving Privilege Card | Proof of Utah residency required | 4 years | $45–$55 |
| Vermont | Driver's License | Proof of Vermont residency required | 4 years | $50–$60 |
| Washington | Driver's License | Proof of Washington residency required | 4 years | $50–$60 |
| West Virginia | Driver's License | Proof of West Virginia residency required | 4 years | $40–$50 |
| Washington, D.C. | Driver's License | Proof of D.C. residency required | 4 years | $70–$80 |
Fees shown are approximate and may change. Some states charge additional fees for vision tests, written tests, or road tests. A few states waive certain fees for low-income applicants; contact your local DMV office to ask whether you may have access to.
What These Licenses Can and Cannot Be Used For
A driver's license or driving privilege card issued to an undocumented immigrant is valid for driving a vehicle on public roads within the United States. You can use it to rent a car, purchase car insurance, and prove your identity to a police officer during a traffic stop. Insurance companies in all states will write policies for drivers holding these licenses.
These licenses are not valid for federal purposes. You cannot use them to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or pass through airport security. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport from your country of origin or a consular ID. Some states issue licenses with a marking or notation that indicates they are not valid for federal purposes; others do not mark them differently, but the restriction applies regardless.
You can use the license to open a bank account, obtain a library card, or register to vote (if you are otherwise may be able to access to vote in your state). The license does not change your immigration status and does not make you may be able to access for federal benefits you were not already may be able to access for.
Privacy Protections and Information Sharing
All twenty-one states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants have laws that prohibit the DMV from sharing your personal information with federal immigration authorities. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C., have explicit statutes that bar this sharing. The remaining states (Delaware, Hawaii, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia) have administrative policies or court rulings that provide the same protection.
The protection means that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot obtain your DMV records through a routine request. However, ICE can still obtain records through a court order or subpoena. Additionally, if you are stopped by local police and arrested on an unrelated charge, your immigration status may be discovered through a background check, regardless of the privacy law protecting your DMV file.
Your information is also protected from sharing with other federal agencies for immigration enforcement purposes. It may be shared with other state agencies (such as the state tax authority) for purposes unrelated to immigration, such as child support enforcement or tax collection.
The process Process at Your Local DMV
Visit your local DMV office in person. You cannot explore by mail or online. Bring all required documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your ITIN or Social Security number. Some states require you to bring the original documents; others accept copies. Call your DMV office ahead of time to confirm which documents they will accept and whether you need an appointment.
At the DMV, you will fill out an process form. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and contact information. It does not ask about your immigration status. You will be asked to declare under penalty of perjury that the information you provide is true. You will also take a vision test and a written test on traffic laws. Some states waive the written test if you already hold a valid license from another state.
If you pass the written test and vision test, you will be scheduled for a road test. The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured. After you pass the road test, your license will be issued. Some states issue it the same day; others mail it to you within one to two weeks.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is bringing documents that do not meet the state's definition of proof of residency. A document must show your name, your current address, and a recent date (usually within the last three to six months). A lease agreement works; a letter from a friend does not. A utility bill works; a receipt for a one-time purchase does not. If you are unsure, call the DMV office and ask whether a specific document will be accepted.
A second common mistake is not having an ITIN before you arrive at the DMV. If your state requires an ITIN and you do not have one, you will be turned away. Obtaining an ITIN takes four to six weeks. If you are in a hurry, file your tax return as soon as possible, even if you have no income to report. You can file a Form 1040-NR (Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return) or Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) with the IRS to obtain an ITIN.
A third mistake is assuming that a license issued in one state will be recognized in another state. It will be. A California driving privilege card is valid for driving in Nevada, New York, or any other state. However, if you move to a state that does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, your license will no longer be valid in that state once you establish residency there. You will need to surrender it and will not be able to obtain a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a consular ID instead of a passport to prove my identity?
Yes. A consular ID (such as a Mexican matricula consular or a Guatemalan cédula) is accepted in all twenty-one states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. It must be current and must show your name, date of birth, and photograph. Some states also accept a national ID card from your country of origin.
What happens if I get pulled over by police while driving with this license?
The license is valid for driving. A police officer will treat it the same as any other driver's license. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the officer will check your license and may ask for proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Your immigration status will not be revealed through the license check alone. However, if the officer runs a background check for an unrelated reason, your status may be discovered.