Yes, but only in 21 states and Washington D.C., and the rules differ sharply by location

An undocumented person can obtain a driver's license in 21 states plus Washington D.C., but cannot in the remaining 29 states. The states that allow it are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Each of these states has its own document requirements, fee structure, and renewal timeline — some ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number, while others accept consular identification documents or foreign passports.

In states where undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard driver's license, some offer an alternative: a driving privilege card or limited-term license that allows driving but is not valid for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. These exist in states including Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The distinction matters because a standard license and a privilege card are treated differently by employers, police, and federal agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states and Washington D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants; 29 states do not allow this under any circumstance.
  • States that allow it typically require an ITIN, a consular ID, a foreign passport, or proof of state residency — not a Social Security Number.
  • Some states that prohibit standard licenses offer a driving privilege card instead, which allows driving but cannot be used for federal identification.
  • Document requirements and fees vary by state; you must check your specific state's DMV website or call before gathering documents.

Which states allow undocumented immigrants to get a standard driver's license

California was the first state to pass this law in 2013, and it remains one of the most straightforward to navigate. You need an ITIN, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a foreign passport or consular ID. New York followed in 2019 and accepts similar documents. Illinois, Washington, and Oregon have comparable programs with minor variations in what counts as proof of residency.

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia also issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants, though each has specific document combinations they will accept. Some require an ITIN; others do not. Some accept a consular ID alone; others require it paired with a passport. North Carolina and Washington D.C. have their own distinct rules as well.

The safest approach is to contact your state's DMV directly — by phone, email, or in person — before you gather any documents. DMV staff can confirm whether you are may be able to access in your state and tell you exactly which documents they need. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip and delays your license.

Documents you will need if your state allows it

Most states that allow undocumented immigrants to hold a driver's license require proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security Number status (or an ITIN in place of it). The identity document is usually a foreign passport or a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. A consular ID is often easier to obtain than a passport and is accepted in most states that have this program.

Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be recent — usually within the last 60 days — and show your name and street address. A P.O. box does not count. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member confirming you live there, though this varies by state.

An ITIN is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. You can explore for an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS using Form W-7. Some states require an ITIN; others do not. A few states accept either an ITIN or a statement from you that you do not have a Social Security Number. Again, your state's DMV will tell you which applies to you.

States that offer a driving privilege card instead

If you live in a state that does not issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, you may still be able to get a driving privilege card — a document that allows you to drive legally but is not valid for federal purposes. Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi offer this option. A privilege card looks similar to a driver's license and shows your photo, name, and driving record, but it is marked as a privilege card rather than a license.

The advantage is that you can drive without legal risk in your state. The disadvantage is that you cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. Police will recognize it as a valid driving document, but TSA and other federal agencies will not. Some employers also will not accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes.

may be able to access and document requirements for a privilege card vary by state. Arizona, for example, requires proof of identity and residency but does not require a Social Security Number or ITIN. Louisiana has different rules. Contact your state's DMV to learn whether a privilege card is available where you live and what you need to bring.

The process process and what to expect at the DMV

Once you have gathered your documents, you will visit your local DMV office to explore. Bring originals, not copies, unless the DMV specifically tells you copies are acceptable. Bring all documents listed on the state's checklist — missing even one can result in denial and another trip.

At the DMV, you will fill out the standard driver's license process form for your state. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you will take a driving test (in most states) to show you can operate a vehicle safely. Some states allow you to take the written test in your native language; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see what languages are available.

The fee for a driver's license varies by state, typically ranging from $20 to $50 for a first-time license. Some states charge the same fee to undocumented immigrants as to citizens; others charge a slightly higher fee. The license is usually valid for four to eight years, depending on your state, and you will need to renew it before it expires.

Renewal and what happens if your documents expire

If your driver's license is issued in a state that allows undocumented immigrants to hold one, you can renew it the same way any other driver renews — by mail, online, or in person, depending on your state's options. However, if your consular ID or passport expires before your license does, you may not be able to renew your license without providing a new identity document.

Some states allow you to renew your license online or by mail without submitting identity documents again, as long as your license has not expired. Other states require you to appear in person and bring updated documents every time you renew. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to understand the renewal process in your state.

If you move to a different state, your out-of-state license is usually valid for a grace period (often 30 to 60 days), but you will need to obtain a license in your new state. If your new state does not allow undocumented immigrants to hold a standard license, you will not be able to transfer your license and will need to explore whether a privilege card or other option is available.

What to do if your state does not allow undocumented immigrants to get a license

If you live in one of the 29 states that do not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, you have limited options. Some states offer a driving privilege card (see above). Others offer nothing, which means driving without a license is illegal and can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges.

Some undocumented immigrants in restrictive states have moved to a neighboring state that allows it, obtained a license there, and then moved back. This is legal as long as you establish genuine residency in the state where you obtain the license — you cannot straightforward visit for a day and explore. You must show proof of residency such as a lease or utility bill in your name. If you are considering this option, research the specific state's residency requirements first.

Another option is to look into whether your state has changed its law recently. Legislation moves slowly, but some states have introduced bills to allow undocumented immigrants to hold driver's licenses. Check your state legislature's website or contact an immigrant advocacy organization in your state to learn whether a change is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A driver's license is a state document, not a federal immigration document. Obtaining one does not trigger immigration enforcement or report you to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, if you are pulled over while driving, a police officer can call ICE if they suspect you are undocumented. Having a valid license does not prevent this, but driving without one makes a stop more likely.

Can I use a driver's license issued to an undocumented immigrant to board a domestic flight?

Only if your state's license is marked as REAL ID compliant. Most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants do not mark them as REAL ID compliant, which means TSA will not accept them at airport security. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your license qualifies. If it does not, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly.

What if I do not have a consular ID or passport?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States to learn how to obtain a consular ID or passport. The process and cost vary by country. Some countries issue consular IDs quickly and cheaply; others charge high fees or require you to travel to a consulate in person. Start this process early because it can take weeks or months.

Can I renew my license by mail if I am undocumented?

It depends on your state. Some states allow mail-in renewal for all drivers, including undocumented immigrants, as long as your license has not expired. Others require you to appear in person and bring updated identity documents. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the renewal process before your license expires.

What is the difference between a driver's license and a driving privilege card?

A driver's license is a state ID that is valid for driving and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A driving privilege card is valid only for driving within your state and cannot be used for federal purposes. Some employers and banks will not accept a privilege card as proof of identity.