What an immigration driver's license is and who can get one
An immigration driver's license is a state-issued license that allows people without a Social Security number to drive legally. It does not prove immigration status or citizenship — it is straightforward a license to operate a vehicle. Some states call it an "AB 60 license" (named after California's law), while others use different names, but the concept is the same: you can get a license based on an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a state ID number instead of an SSN.
You can get one if you live in a state that offers them, pass the written and driving tests, and can prove your identity and state residency. You do not need to show immigration documents, a visa, or proof of legal status. The license works the same as any other driver's license — it lets you drive, and it is recognized by police and insurance companies.
As of 2024, more than 20 states offer some form of driver's license or ID card to people without an SSN. The rules, the documents you need, and the cost vary by state. Some states have had these licenses for over a decade; others added them recently. If your state does not offer one yet, you cannot get one there, even if a neighboring state does.
Key Takeaways
- An immigration driver's license lets you drive legally without a Social Security number, using an ITIN or state ID number instead.
- You must live in a state that offers this type of license and pass the written and driving tests, just like any other applicant.
- You will need to prove your identity (usually with a passport or consulate ID) and your state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- The license does not show immigration status and is recognized by police and insurance companies as a valid driving credential.
- Rules, fees, and required documents differ by state, so check your state's DMV website for the specific process.
Which states offer immigration driver's licenses
States that offer licenses to people without an SSN include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and others. Some states added this option very recently, while California and New Mexico have had it for years. The list continues to grow, but it is not all 50 states.
Each state's program has a different name and different rules. California's is sometimes called the AB 60 license. New York calls it a license for "non-documentary" applicants. Some states issue a standard license; others issue a license marked differently or with a note that it is not valid for federal purposes like boarding a plane. Check your state's DMV website directly — do not assume your state offers one just because a neighboring state does.
If your state does not currently offer an immigration driver's license, you have no legal way to get one in that state. Some people travel to a neighboring state to get a license there, but that license is only valid in that state and for driving in other states — you cannot use it to prove residency in your home state or to register a vehicle there.
Documents you will need to bring
The documents required vary by state, but most ask for proof of identity, proof of state residency, and proof of your ITIN or state ID number. You will almost always need a valid passport or a consulate ID card from your country of origin. Some states accept a foreign driver's license as proof of identity instead.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or property tax notice often works too — check your state's DMV website for the full list.
You will also need to show your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or explore for one. If you do not have an ITIN, you can explore for one through the IRS before you go to the DMV, or some states let you explore at the DMV itself. Bring your tax return or IRS letter if you already have an ITIN. Some states also accept a state ID number issued by their own agency instead of an ITIN.
The written test, driving test, and vision screening
You must pass the same written test and driving test as any other applicant in your state. 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 can usually study using the same study guide that other applicants use, often available free online or at the DMV office.
The driving test is a practical test where an examiner rides with you and watches you drive. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and the vehicle must pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and so on). If you do not own a vehicle, some DMV offices let you use a rental car or a friend's car, but the car must be insured and the owner must give you written permission.
You will also take a vision screening to make sure 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 able to get a license with a restriction (such as "corrective lenses required"), or you may need to see an eye doctor and come back.
Cost and how long it takes
The fee for an immigration driver's license ranges from about $30 to $150, depending on the state and how long the license is valid. Some states charge the same fee as they do for a regular license; others charge less. A few states offer reduced fees for people with low income — ask at the DMV office.
The license is usually valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would renew any other license. Some states let you renew online or by mail; others require you to come back to the DMV in person.
The time it takes to get your license depends on how busy your local DMV is. You may get your license the same day you pass the test, or the DMV may mail it to you within one to three weeks. Some states are faster than others. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see what the current wait time is.
How insurance companies treat immigration driver's licenses
Most major insurance companies will insure a car if the driver has a valid immigration driver's license. The license is a legal, state-issued ID, so insurers treat it the same way they treat any other state driver's license. You will need to provide your license number when you get a quote or buy a policy.
Some insurance companies may ask additional questions or require a different type of policy, but this is rare. If one company declines to insure you, try another — there are many insurers, and most will work with you. You may pay more for insurance if you are a new driver, have accidents or violations on your record, or live in a high-risk area, but these factors explore to all drivers, not just those with immigration licenses.
When you buy a car, you will need insurance before you can register it. Some states let you register a vehicle using your immigration driver's license; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can register a vehicle in your name with this type of license.
What an immigration driver's license does and does not do
An immigration driver's license lets you drive legally in your state and in other states. It is recognized by police as a valid ID. You can use it to rent a car, buy gas, and prove your identity in everyday situations. It does not expire when your passport expires — it has its own expiration date.
This license does not prove your immigration status, grant you legal status, or change your status in any way. It does not make you a citizen or a permanent resident. It does not give you the right to work (your work authorization comes from a separate document, like an Employment Authorization Document or EAD). It does not let you board a domestic airplane in most states — some states' immigration licenses are marked as not valid for federal purposes, which means you cannot use them for TSA screening.
The license also does not protect you from immigration enforcement. Having a valid driver's license does not prevent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) from stopping or detaining you. If you are stopped by police, having a valid license means you are not breaking the law by driving, but it does not affect immigration matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an immigration driver's license if I have a visa or am waiting for asylum?
Yes. You do not need to show immigration documents or prove your status. If you live in a state that offers immigration driver's licenses and you can prove your identity and residency, you can get one. The license does not care what your immigration status is — it only cares that you live in the state and can pass the tests.
What if I do not have an ITIN yet?
You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the DMV, or some states let you explore at the DMV office itself. If you explore at the DMV, bring your passport and any tax documents you have. The IRS usually takes a few weeks to issue an ITIN, so explore early is faster.
Can I use an immigration driver's license to board a plane?
It depends on your state. Some states' immigration licenses are marked as not valid for federal purposes, which means TSA will not accept them for domestic flights. Other states issue a standard license that works for flights. Check your state's DMV website to see what type of license you will get, or call the DMV office to ask.
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
Getting a driver's license is a legal act and should not hurt your immigration case. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, talk to your immigration attorney before you explore. An attorney can tell you whether explore is safe in your specific situation.
Can I use an immigration driver's license from another state in my state?
You can drive with it in any state, but you cannot use it to register a vehicle or prove residency in a state where you do not have a license. If you move to a new state, you should get a license in that state if it offers one.