Which states issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants

Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of legal residency. These states are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Each state sets its own rules about what documents you need to bring and what the license looks like. Some states mark the license differently or issue a special designation card instead. The process and timeline vary by state, but most require an in-person visit to your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office.

States that do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants may still issue an identification card (not a driver's license) that can be used for some purposes, though rules differ. Check your specific state's DMV website or call their main line to confirm what your state offers.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states plus Washington, D.C. issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants; your state's DMV website lists the exact documents required.
  • You will need to prove your identity and residency in that state, usually with a passport, consular ID, or other document from your home country plus a utility bill or lease.
  • Some states issue a standard license; others mark it as a limited-term license or issue a separate ID card instead.
  • A state-issued driver's license does not change your immigration status and is not proof of legal residency for federal purposes.

Documents you typically need to bring

Most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants require proof of identity and proof of state residency. Acceptable identity documents usually include a valid passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your home country, or a birth certificate with a photo ID. Some states accept additional documents like a foreign driver's license or school records.

For proof of residency, you will need a document showing your name and a current address in that state. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax document) typically works. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If your documents are in another language, some states require a certified English translation; others do not. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm which documents they accept and whether translation is needed.

The difference between a standard license and a limited-term license

Some states issue a standard driver's license to undocumented immigrants that looks and functions the same as a license issued to citizens or legal residents. Other states issue a limited-term license that is valid for a shorter period (often two to four years instead of the standard five to eight years) and may be marked to show it is not proof of legal residency.

A few states issue a separate identification card instead of a driver's license. This card allows you to drive but is labeled as an ID card rather than a license. The card may have different rules about renewal, expiration, or use in federal contexts.

The type your state issues does not affect your ability to drive legally within that state. However, it may matter if you travel to another state or if you need to use the document for a specific purpose. Check your state's DMV website to see which type your state issues.

How a state driver's license differs from federal Real ID

A state-issued driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license are not the same thing. Real ID is a federal standard that requires states to verify citizenship or legal immigration status before issuing a license. States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants do not issue Real ID licenses to those applicants.

If you receive a driver's license as an undocumented immigrant, it will not be Real ID-compliant. This means you cannot use it for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or accessing certain military bases. You can still use it to drive, to open a bank account, and for most state and local purposes.

If you need to travel by air within the United States, you will need a passport or other federal travel document instead. Some states allow you to hold both a state driver's license (for driving) and a separate state ID card that is also not Real ID-compliant.

Steps to get a driver's license in your state

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "undocumented immigrant" or "AB 60" (the California law that started this trend). The website will list the exact documents you need, the fee, and whether you must make an appointment. Some states require an appointment; others accept walk-ins.

Gather your identity document, proof of residency, and any other documents your state lists. Bring originals or certified copies. If documents are in another language, check whether your state requires a certified translation before you go.

Visit your local DMV office in person. You will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs (unless you already hold a valid license from another state or country). You will also take a vision test and have your photo taken. The fee varies by state, usually between $20 and $100.

After you pass the test, the DMV will issue your license or tell you when to return to pick it up. Processing time varies from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and how busy the office is.

What happens if you move to a state that does not issue these licenses

If you move from a state that issues licenses to undocumented immigrants to one that does not, your license remains valid for driving in your new state until it expires. However, you cannot renew it in the new state. You will need to keep your original license valid or obtain an identification card from your new state if it offers one.

Some states that do not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants do issue state ID cards for identification purposes only (not for driving). Check your new state's DMV website to see what options are available.

If you plan to move, consider renewing your license before you leave your current state, even if it is not yet expired. This gives you a longer period before you need to address the issue in your new location.

How a state driver's license affects your immigration case

Obtaining a state driver's license does not change your immigration status and does not make you a legal resident or citizen. It is purely a state document that allows you to drive legally within that state. It is not proof of legal residency for federal immigration purposes.

If you are in removal proceedings or working with an immigration attorney, discuss whether getting a state driver's license could affect your case. In most situations it does not, but your attorney should review your specific circumstances. Some people choose not to get a license to avoid creating a government record, while others find it necessary for work or daily life.

A state driver's license can be used to open a bank account, get a job, or rent an apartment in most cases. Employers and landlords generally accept it as valid identification. However, it will not satisfy federal requirements for employment verification (I-9 form) or other federal purposes that require proof of legal work authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a state driver's license to board a plane?

No. A state driver's license issued to an undocumented immigrant is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You will need a valid passport or other federal travel document. Some countries issue passports to citizens regardless of where they live; contact your country's consulate to learn how to obtain one.

What if my state is not on the list of states that issue these licenses?

Check your state's DMV website to confirm the current policy, as some states have changed their rules in recent years. If your state does not issue a driver's license to undocumented immigrants, ask whether it issues a state identification card instead. Some states offer ID cards for identification purposes even if they do not issue driver's licenses.

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

No. States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants do not require a Social Security number. You will need proof of identity and proof of state residency instead. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), some states may ask for it, but it is not required.

Will getting a driver's license put me at risk of deportation?

A state driver's license is a state document and does not automatically trigger federal immigration enforcement. However, visiting a DMV office does create a government record with your name and address. If you have concerns about your immigration situation, discuss this with an immigration attorney before explore. Some people decide the risk is worth the benefit of legal driving; others do not.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Most states require you to renew in person at a DMV office, though a few allow online renewal if you already hold a valid license. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules. You will likely need to bring updated proof of residency at renewal time.