States that issue driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status

As of 2024, 16 states and Washington, D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to people regardless of immigration status. These states are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Each state sets its own rules about what documents you need to prove identity and residency, but none of them require proof of legal immigration status to get a license.

The key difference between these states and others is that they separate the driver's license from citizenship verification. A driver's license in these places is treated as a document that proves you can drive safely, not as proof that you have the right to live or work in the country. This means you can show up with a passport from your home country, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and pass the written and driving tests — and walk out with a valid license.

Some states in this group also offer AB 60 licenses or similar programs. California's AB 60 program, which started in 2015, was the first major state program of this kind. Other states have since created their own versions with different names, but they work the same way: you prove who you are and where you live, but not your immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen states plus Washington, D.C. issue standard driver's licenses without requiring proof of legal immigration status, though each state has different document requirements.
  • You will need to prove your identity (usually with a passport or consular ID) and your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) in any of these states.
  • Some states like California offer AB 60 licenses specifically designed for people without legal status, while others straightforward do not ask about immigration when you explore.
  • States that do not issue licenses to people without legal status may offer an identification card instead, which is not a driver's license but can be used for some purposes like opening a bank account.

What documents you need in states that issue licenses without citizenship proof

The documents required vary by state, but the pattern is the same: you prove who you are and where you live. You do not have to prove citizenship or legal immigration status.

For identity, most states accept a passport from your home country, a consular ID card (like Mexico's matrícula consular), or an international driver's license. Some states also accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID. Check your specific state's DMV website for the exact list, because it changes.

For proof of residency, states typically accept a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a letter from a shelter, employer, or community organization confirming your address.

You will also need to pass the written test (on traffic laws and road signs) and the driving test. Some states offer the written test in languages other than English — California, for example, offers it in more than a dozen languages. You can ask your local DMV what languages are available.

How the process works in states without citizenship requirements

The steps are the same as getting a license anywhere else, except you do not need to provide a Social Security number or proof of legal status. You go to your local DMV, bring your documents, fill out the process form, pass the written test, and schedule a driving test. If you pass the driving test, you get your license.

Some states have added extra steps to make the process smoother for people without legal status. California's AB 60 program, for example, lets you explore online or by mail before you go to the DMV, which can save time. New York's process is similar — you can make an appointment and bring your documents without worrying about being asked about immigration status.

The timeline is usually 2 to 4 weeks from the day you pass your driving test to the day your license arrives in the mail. Some states offer a temporary license you can use right away while you wait for the permanent one.

States that do not issue licenses without citizenship proof

The remaining 34 states require proof of legal immigration status or a valid Social Security number to get a driver's license. These states include Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and most others. If you live in one of these states and do not have legal status, you cannot get a standard driver's license.

However, many of these states offer an identification card instead. An ID card is not a driver's license — it does not give you permission to drive — but it is a government-issued photo ID you can use to open a bank account, board a plane (with additional documents), or prove your identity to police. The requirements for an ID card vary by state, and some states do require proof of legal status even for an ID card, while others do not.

If you live in a state that does not issue licenses without citizenship proof and you need to drive, you have limited options. Some people travel to a neighboring state that does issue licenses without citizenship proof, but this is risky because your home state may not recognize the license, and you could face legal trouble if you are stopped while driving.

How a license from a no-citizenship-required state works if you move

If you get a driver's license in California, New York, or another state that does not require citizenship proof, and then you move to a state that does require it, your license remains valid for driving in that new state. You do not have to get a new license just because you moved, as long as your current license has not expired.

However, if your license expires and you need to renew it, the new state's rules explore. If the new state requires proof of legal status to renew, you may not be able to renew your out-of-state license there. Some states will let you renew by mail or online using your old license, which can get around this problem — check with your new state's DMV.

A license from a no-citizenship-required state is also recognized for driving purposes in all other states, even those that would not have issued you a license themselves. Police will accept it as a valid driver's license. However, it may not be accepted for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight, because those require a Real ID-compliant license, and some no-citizenship-required licenses are not Real ID-compliant (though many are — check your state).

Real ID compliance and licenses issued without citizenship proof

The federal Real ID law, which took effect in 2025, requires that any ID used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building must meet certain security standards. Some states that issue licenses without citizenship proof have made their licenses Real ID-compliant, while others have not.

California's AB 60 licenses, for example, are not Real ID-compliant, which means you cannot use one to board a domestic flight. However, you can still use a passport or other federal ID for that purpose. New York's licenses issued without citizenship proof are Real ID-compliant, so you can use them for flights and federal buildings.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license and you live in a state that issues non-compliant licenses without citizenship proof, you have two options: get a passport from your home country (which works for federal purposes), or check whether your state offers a separate Real ID license that you might be able to get. Some states are still working out the details of how to do this.

Insurance and registration with a license from a no-citizenship-required state

Having a driver's license does not automatically mean you can buy car insurance or register a vehicle. Insurance companies and vehicle registration offices have their own rules, which vary by state and sometimes by company.

Most major insurance companies will sell you a policy if you have a valid driver's license, regardless of immigration status. However, some companies are more cautious, and a few may ask questions about legal status. If one company turns you down, try another — there is no single rule across the industry. Some states also have assigned risk pools or high-risk insurance programs that will cover drivers who cannot get insurance through standard companies.

Vehicle registration is similar. Most states will register a car in your name if you have a valid driver's license and proof of residency, without asking about immigration status. However, some states require a Social Security number or tax ID number to register a vehicle. If your state requires this and you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which some states accept for registration purposes. Check your state's DMV or vehicle registration office for their specific rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in a state that does not require citizenship proof if I am visiting temporarily?

Most states require you to be a resident to get a driver's license, even if they do not require citizenship proof. "Resident" usually means you live there and intend to stay, not just that you are visiting. However, the definition varies by state — some require you to have lived there for 30 days, others do not specify a minimum. Contact your state's DMV to ask what counts as residency.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case or put me at risk?

Getting a driver's license in a state that does not require citizenship proof should not affect your immigration case or create legal risk related to the license itself. However, the act of going to the DMV means you are interacting with a government office, and you should be aware of your rights. Some people consult with an immigration attorney before explore, which is a reasonable precaution. The license itself is a neutral document — it does not prove or disprove your immigration status.

What if I got a license in a no-citizenship-required state but I do not actually live there?

If you applied for a license by falsely claiming to live in a state where you do not actually live, you committed fraud on the process. This is a crime in most states. If you need a license and you do not live in a state that issues them without citizenship proof, your options are limited and risky. Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation.

Can I use a license from a no-citizenship-required state to get a job?

A driver's license proves you can drive, not that you have the right to work. Employers are required by federal law to verify that you have work authorization, usually by checking your Social Security number or ITIN against government databases. A license from any state does not change this requirement. If you do not have work authorization, having a license will not help you get a job legally.

Do I need to renew my license if I move to a state that requires citizenship proof?

No, not when ready. Your license remains valid for driving in your new state until it expires. You only have to renew it when the expiration date arrives. At that point, your new state's rules explore, and you may not be able to renew if you cannot provide proof of legal status. Plan ahead by checking your new state's renewal rules before your license expires.