Non-citizens can get a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the documents you need and the type of license you receive depend on your immigration status
Whether you hold a visa, have a pending green card process, are undocumented, or are a permanent resident changes which states will issue you a license and what form of ID you'll receive. Some states issue standard licenses to all non-citizens with valid immigration documents. Others issue licenses only to people with specific visa types. A growing number of states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to undocumented immigrants, though these come with restrictions on federal use. A few states still refuse to issue licenses to non-citizens altogether.
The core requirement across all states is the same: you must prove your identity, prove you live in that state, and pass a written test and driving test. The difference is what documents count as proof of identity and residency when you don't have a Social Security number or a U.S. birth certificate.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent residents and people on valid visas can get standard driver's licenses in all 50 states, though the documents required vary by state.
- Undocumented immigrants can get a driver's license in 21 states and Washington D.C., but these licenses cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
- You will need to bring a passport or national ID card, proof of state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your immigration status or visa.
- Some states require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, which you can obtain from the IRS.
- The written and driving tests are the same for non-citizens as for citizens, and you can take them in multiple languages in most states.
What documents you need based on your immigration status
If you are a permanent resident (green card holder): Bring your green card, passport, and proof of state residency. All 50 states will issue you a standard driver's license. You do not need a Social Security number in most states, though some ask for one if you have it.
If you are on a valid visa (student, work, temporary resident, etc.): Bring your passport, visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, and proof of state residency. All 50 states will issue you a standard license. Some states also accept an I-20 (for students) or I-797 (for work visa holders) as proof of status. You typically do not need a Social Security number.
If you are undocumented: You can get a license in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C., and as of 2024, Massachusetts and New Jersey. These states issue licenses that are valid for driving but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You will need a passport or national ID card, proof of state residency, and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a state-issued ID number. Some states accept a combination of documents (such as a foreign birth certificate, consular ID, or utility bills in your name) instead of an ITIN.
If you have a pending green card process or asylum case: Your ability to get a license depends on whether you have a work permit (EAD) or travel document (Advance Parole). If you have either, you can get a license in any state. Bring the work permit or travel document, your passport, and proof of residency. If you have neither, check your state's rules — some allow licenses based on a pending case alone, others do not.
States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants
As of 2024, 21 states and Washington D.C. issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. These licenses are marked differently from standard licenses and cannot be used for federal purposes. They are valid for driving, renting a car, and opening a bank account in most cases.
| State | License type | ITIN required |
|---|---|---|
| California | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Colorado | Standard license (marked) | Yes |
| Connecticut | Standard license (marked) | No; ITIN or state ID number |
| Delaware | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Hawaii | Standard license | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Illinois | Standard license (marked) | No; ITIN or state ID number |
| Maryland | Standard license (marked) | No; ITIN or state ID number |
| Minnesota | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Missouri | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Nevada | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| New Jersey | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| New Mexico | Standard license | No; alternative documents accepted |
| New York | Standard license (marked) | No; ITIN or state ID number |
| Oregon | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Rhode Island | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Tennessee | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Utah | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Vermont | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Washington | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Washington D.C. | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
| Massachusetts | Standard license (marked) | No; alternative documents accepted |
"Marked" means the license has a visible indicator that it is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes. Hawaii and New Mexico issue unmarked licenses to undocumented immigrants, meaning they look identical to licenses issued to citizens, though they still cannot be used for federal purposes.
How to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
If your state requires an ITIN to get a driver's license, you will need to obtain one from the Internal Revenue Service before you visit the DMV. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but begins with 9. It is used for tax purposes and is not a work permit or proof of immigration status.
To get an ITIN, you must file a tax return with the IRS using Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can file by mail or through an IRS-authorized representative. You will need to provide your passport or national ID card and proof of residency. The IRS typically issues an ITIN within two to four weeks of receiving your process. Some tax preparation services and community organizations help non-citizens file for an ITIN at no cost.
Once you have your ITIN, bring the IRS letter confirming it to the DMV along with your other documents. Some states accept the ITIN letter itself; others require you to bring the actual IRS document or a tax return showing your ITIN.
Proof of state residency that the DMV will accept
All states require proof that you live in that state. The documents that count vary slightly by state, but most accept the following:
- A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days.
- A lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord.
- A bank or credit card statement in your name dated within the last 60 days.
- A mortgage statement or property tax bill.
- A letter from a government agency (such as a court, school, or social services office) addressed to you at your current address.
- A cell phone bill in your name.
- An insurance policy (auto, renters, or homeowners) in your name.
If you do not have any documents in your name, some states allow you to bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you (such as a family member or roommate) stating that you live at that address. A few states also accept a combination of documents, such as a lease plus a utility bill in a roommate's name with a signed statement from that person.
What happens at the DMV when you explore
The process is the same as for citizens: you will fill out an process form, provide your documents, have your photo taken, pay the fee, and schedule a written test and driving test. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs and is offered in multiple languages in most states. The driving test is the same for everyone.
Some DMVs require you to bring an interpreter if you do not speak English well enough to understand the written test. A few states allow you to bring a family member or friend; others require a professional interpreter. Call your local DMV ahead of time to ask whether an interpreter is available or whether you need to bring one.
The fee for a driver's license varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Some states charge the same fee for all applicants; others charge more for licenses issued to non-citizens or undocumented immigrants. A few states offer reduced fees for low-income applicants.
What you cannot do with a license issued to an undocumented immigrant
If you receive a license as an undocumented immigrant, you can use it to drive, rent a car, and open a bank account. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border. If you need to travel by air or cross a border, you will need a passport or a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (such as an Advance Parole document).
Some employers, landlords, and financial institutions may refuse to accept a marked license as proof of identity because it signals that you are not a citizen. This is not legal in most cases, but it happens. If you face discrimination, you can report it to your state's civil rights office or to a legal aid organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I am on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas (B-1/B-2) do not allow you to get a driver's license in most states because they are not considered valid work or residency visas. If you are visiting the U.S. temporarily, you can drive using your foreign driver's license or an International Driving Permit. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to change your visa status first.
What if my state does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants?
You can still drive legally if you have a valid foreign driver's license or an International Driving Permit. However, you cannot legally drive without one of these documents. Some undocumented immigrants travel to a neighboring state that does issue licenses, but this is risky because you must prove residency in that state. A safer option is to contact a legal aid organization in your state to learn about your options.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license as a non-citizen?
No. Most states do not require a Social Security number for non-citizens. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not necessary. Some states ask for an ITIN instead, which you can obtain from the IRS. Other states accept alternative documents like a passport number or a visa number.
Can I renew my license by mail if I am a non-citizen?
It depends on your state and your immigration status. Permanent residents and people on valid visas can usually renew by mail if their license is not expiring soon. Undocumented immigrants may be required to renew in person so the DMV can verify their documents again. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask about renewal options.
What if my passport is about to expire?
You can still get a driver's license with a passport that is about to expire, as long as it is not already expired. However, you may want to renew your passport first if you plan to travel or cross a border, because a driver's license is not a travel document. If your passport expires after you get your license, your license remains valid — the DMV does not require you to update it unless your state has a specific rule about this.