Yes, immigrants can get a driver's license in most U.S. states, regardless of immigration status

Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia issue driver's licenses to people without proof of lawful presence in the country. These states treat a driver's license as a document for road safety and vehicle registration, not as proof of citizenship or legal status. The remaining states require some form of legal immigration status — either a visa, work permit, or permanent resident card — but do not require citizenship.

The specific documents you need depend on which state you live in and what immigration status you hold. A few states ask for nothing more than a passport, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof of residency. Others require a visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or Permanent Resident Card. No state requires you to be a U.S. citizen to hold a driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states issue licenses to immigrants without legal status; the other states require some form of visa, work permit, or permanent resident status but not citizenship.
  • You will need a passport or national ID from your home country, proof of residency in your state, and either an ITIN or immigration document showing your status.
  • Some states accept an ITIN (a tax ID number you can obtain from the IRS) in place of a Social Security number if you do not have work authorization.
  • The DMV will not share your information with immigration authorities in most states, though you should verify this with your local office before explore.
  • Processing times and fees vary by state, but most licenses cost between $50 and $200 and take one to four weeks to arrive.

States that issue licenses without proof of legal status

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia all issue driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. These states do not ask for proof of lawful presence and do not report applicants to federal immigration authorities.

In these states, you typically need a passport or national ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Some states also accept a consular ID card issued by your home country's embassy or consulate. The process is the same as for any other first-time applicant: you visit your local DMV, pass a written test and vision test, and pay the licensing fee.

States that require legal immigration status

The remaining states require some form of legal status to issue a driver's license. This usually means a valid visa (such as an H-1B, F-1, or tourist visa), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). A few states also accept a state ID card issued to undocumented immigrants as proof of residency, which can then be used toward a license process.

If you hold a visa, bring your passport and the visa itself. If you have an EAD, bring the card and your passport. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card and passport. You will also need proof of residency and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Some states in this group will not issue a license until your visa or work permit is valid for at least six months beyond the license expiration date.

Documents you will need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity and proof of residency. Your passport or national ID serves as proof of identity. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Some states accept a letter from your employer or a government agency; call your local DMV to confirm what counts in your state.

You will also need a number to enter on your process. If you have a Social Security number, use it. If you do not, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. An ITIN takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail. Many states accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for driver's license purposes. A few states do not; check with your DMV before you explore for an ITIN.

If you hold a visa, EAD, TPS document, or green card, bring the original document. Do not bring a copy. The DMV will examine it and return it to you. If you are explore in a state that does not require legal status, you do not need to bring any immigration document at all.

How to find out what your state requires

The easiest way to learn what your state requires is to call your local DMV office directly. Tell them you are an immigrant and ask what documents they need from you. Ask specifically whether they accept an ITIN, whether they require legal status, and whether they report applicants to immigration authorities. Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date of the call in case you need to reference it later.

You can also visit your state's DMV website and search for "immigrant" or "non-citizen." Many states have a dedicated page explaining what documents are needed. If the website is unclear, email the DMV with your question and ask for a written response. Bring that response with you when you explore, in case there is confusion at the counter.

Privacy and immigration enforcement

In most states, the DMV does not share your information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities. However, this is not true everywhere. A few states have agreements with federal authorities that allow information sharing in certain circumstances. Before you explore, call your local DMV and ask directly: "If I explore for a driver's license, will my information be shared with immigration authorities?" Ask for the answer in writing if possible.

If you are concerned about your safety or status, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal consultations. You can find a local immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website or through your state bar association.

Fees and processing times

Driver's license fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the state and the type of license you are seeking. Most states charge less for a standard four-year license and more for an eight-year license. Some states offer a reduced fee for immigrants without legal status; ask when you call the DMV.

Processing times vary. Some states issue licenses on the same day you explore. Others mail the license within one to four weeks. A few states take longer if they need to verify your immigration status with federal authorities. Ask your DMV how long it typically takes in your location and whether you can get a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a consular ID card instead of a passport?

Many states accept a consular ID card (also called a matrícula consular) issued by your home country's embassy or consulate. However, not all states do. Call your DMV and ask whether they accept your specific consular ID before you explore. Bring your passport as a backup.

What if I do not have a passport?

You will need some form of government-issued photo ID from your home country. If you do not have a passport, ask your home country's embassy or consulate whether they can issue a national ID card or travel document. This process can take several weeks, so plan ahead. In the meantime, you cannot explore for a driver's license.

Do I need to be a permanent resident to get a license?

No. In states that require legal status, a valid visa (tourist, student, work, or temporary) is enough. You do not need to be a permanent resident. However, some states require your visa to be valid for at least six months beyond the license expiration date, so check your state's rules.

Can I renew my license if my visa expires?

This depends on your state. Some states will renew your license as long as it was valid when you first obtained it, even if your visa has since expired. Others require your visa to remain valid throughout the license period. Call your DMV and ask about their renewal policy for immigrants before your visa expires.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to obtain a new license in your new state. Bring your old license, your passport, proof of residency in the new state, and any immigration documents required by that state. Some states will transfer your license from another state; others require you to take the written test again. Call your new state's DMV to ask what the process is.