Non-citizens can get a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the rules vary widely by state and by immigration status

Whether you can get a driver's license as a non-citizen depends on which state you live in and what your immigration status is. Some states issue licenses to anyone with a valid passport or consular ID, regardless of immigration status. Others require proof of legal residency or a visa. A few states still restrict licenses to citizens and lawful permanent residents only. There is no single federal rule — each state sets its own policy.

The key document you will need is proof of identity and proof of residency in that state. For non-citizens, identity usually means a valid passport, a consular ID card (like a Mexican matricula consular), or a visa. Some states also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as proof that you have a documented presence in the country. Residency proof works the same way for everyone: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. issue driver's licenses to non-citizens regardless of immigration status, using a passport or consular ID as proof of identity.
  • Thirteen states issue licenses only to people with lawful immigration status, which includes visa holders and permanent residents but not undocumented immigrants.
  • Sixteen states restrict licenses to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding visa holders and undocumented immigrants entirely.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts; calling ahead or visiting in person saves time because rules change and staff can confirm what you need.
  • Some states issue a standard license while others issue a license marked "not for federal purposes," which affects whether you can use it to board a domestic flight.

States that issue licenses to all non-citizens, regardless of immigration status

Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. allow non-citizens to get a standard driver's license without proving legal immigration status. 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, and West Virginia, plus D.C.

In these states, you typically need a valid passport, a consular ID card, or a visa. Some also accept an ITIN. You will also need to prove you live in that state — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement works. The process is otherwise the same as for citizens: you pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test, then pay the fee. The license you receive is a standard license that works for domestic flights, federal buildings, and any other purpose.

California and New York are the largest states in this group. California accepts a valid passport, a consular ID, or a visa, plus proof of state residency. New York accepts a passport, a visa, or a consular ID. Both issue a standard license with no restrictions on use.

States that issue licenses to visa holders and permanent residents only

Thirteen states issue driver's licenses to non-citizens who have lawful immigration status — meaning they hold a valid visa, are in the process of adjusting status, or are permanent residents. These states are: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

In these states, you will need to show a visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), an I-94 arrival/departure record, or a green card. You will also need proof of state residency. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a license in these states. The license issued is usually a standard license, though some states may mark it differently depending on the visa type.

The specific documents each state accepts vary. For example, Arizona accepts a visa, an EAD, or an I-94. Florida accepts a visa or an I-94. It is worth checking your state's DMV website or calling ahead, because the list of accepted documents can change and staff can tell you exactly what to bring.

States that restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents

Sixteen states restrict driver's licenses to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). These states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.

In these states, visa holders and undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard driver's license. Some of these states offer an alternative: an ID card that is not a driver's license and cannot be used to drive. Texas, for example, issues a Driving Privilege Document to some non-citizens, but it is not a license and does not allow you to operate a vehicle. If you live in one of these states and are not a citizen or permanent resident, you may not be able to drive legally.

What documents you will need as a non-citizen

The documents required depend on your state and your immigration status, but most states ask for the same basic set. You will need proof of identity, proof of state residency, and proof of Social Security Number or an ITIN.

For identity, bring a valid passport or a consular ID card. A consular ID is issued by your country's consulate and is widely accepted in states that allow non-citizen licenses. If you have a visa, bring it along with your passport. If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or an I-94, bring those too — some states accept them as proof of identity or status.

For residency, bring a lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a mortgage statement with your name and current address. The document must be recent — usually from the last 60 days. If you do not have a lease or utility bill in your name, some states accept a letter from your employer or a notarized letter from someone who lives with you.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security Number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. Not all states require this, but many do.

How immigration status affects your license type

Some states issue different types of licenses based on immigration status. A standard driver's license works for driving, boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and any other purpose. A license marked "not for federal purposes" works for driving and state ID purposes but cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without additional ID.

States that issue "not for federal purposes" licenses usually do so for non-citizens with temporary visa status. For example, a student visa holder might receive a license marked this way. Permanent residents and citizens always receive a standard license.

If you are unsure what type of license your state will issue, ask the DMV staff when you explore. They can tell you whether your visa type or immigration status affects the license you receive.

What to do if your state restricts non-citizen licenses

If you live in a state that does not issue licenses to your immigration status, you have limited options. Some states offer an ID card that is not a driver's license — this is not the same as a license and does not allow you to drive. If your state offers this, you can use it for identification purposes, but you cannot legally operate a vehicle.

If you need to drive and your state does not allow it, you may want to explore whether moving to another state is possible, or whether your immigration status can change. An immigration attorney can discuss your options. You can also check whether your employer offers transportation or whether public transit is available in your area.

Some people in restrictive states drive without a license, which is illegal and carries serious penalties — fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges. This is not a safe or legal option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to get a driver's license as a non-citizen?

Most states require either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7. Some states accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what it accepts.

Can I use a consular ID instead of a passport?

Yes, in most states that allow non-citizen licenses. A consular ID card issued by your country's consulate is widely accepted as proof of identity. Bring it along with any visa or immigration documents you have. Some states prefer a passport, so call ahead to confirm your state accepts a consular ID.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver's license should not affect your immigration case on its own. However, if you are undocumented and live in a state that restricts licenses to citizens and permanent residents, driving without a license can result in criminal charges that may complicate your immigration status. Speak with an immigration attorney if you are concerned about how driving or licensing might affect your case.

What if I have a visa but my state says it only issues licenses to permanent residents?

If your state restricts licenses to permanent residents and citizens, you cannot get a standard driver's license on a visa. You may be able to get a state ID card instead, but this does not allow you to drive. Your options are limited to not driving legally in that state, or moving to a state with different rules.

Can I renew my non-citizen license, or do I have to reapply?

Most states allow you to renew your license by mail or online if your immigration status has not changed. If your visa or immigration document has expired, you will need to renew that first, then renew your license. Some states require you to come in person to renew. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules.