States that issue licenses to immigrants regardless of citizenship status

Twenty-one states plus Washington, D.C. now issue driver's licenses to people without proof of lawful immigration status. These states are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Each state sets its own rules about what documents you need instead of a Social Security number or proof of legal residency.

The key difference from other states is that these places do not require you to prove your immigration status at all. You still need to pass the written test, the road test, and provide proof of identity and residence — but the identity document can be a foreign passport, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or other documents your state accepts. The process itself works the same way as it does for citizens; the main change is which documents the DMV will take.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to immigrants without requiring proof of legal residency or citizenship.
  • You will need to show identity (such as a foreign passport), proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and pass both written and road tests in these states.
  • Some states issue licenses under different names or with different markings, so check your state's DMV website to learn what documents they accept before you go in.
  • States that do not allow licenses for immigrants without legal status may offer an alternative card for driving purposes only, though rules vary widely.

What documents you will need in states that allow immigrant licenses

The documents required depend on your state, but most ask for the same basic set. You will need proof of identity (a foreign passport is usually accepted, or an ITIN card, consular ID, or other government-issued ID from your home country), proof of residence (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN if you have one. Some states also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy translated into English.

Call your state's DMV before you visit or check their website for the exact list. Rules change, and some states accept documents others do not. For example, California accepts a foreign passport plus an ITIN, but New York may ask for additional proof of residence. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so confirming ahead saves time.

States that do not issue standard licenses to immigrants without legal status

Twenty-nine states do not issue regular driver's licenses to people without proof of lawful immigration status. However, some of these states offer an alternative: a driving privilege card, occupational license, or conditional license that lets you drive but is not valid for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

States offering these limited cards include Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. The rules for who can get one and what documents are needed vary by state. Texas, for example, issues a Driving Privilege Document to people without lawful status; Arizona issues a driving privilege card. In other states, you may not be able to get any driving document at all.

If you live in a state that does not issue licenses or cards to immigrants without legal status, your only option is to check whether your state has changed its law or to look into whether you may be may be able to access for a different immigration status that would allow you to get a standard license.

How the process process differs from standard license applications

The written test and road test are the same whether you are a citizen or an immigrant. You study the same handbook, answer the same questions, and demonstrate the same driving skills. The difference is only in the documents you bring to prove who you are and where you live.

In states that issue licenses to immigrants, the DMV will not ask you to prove your immigration status or citizenship. You will not need a Social Security number if you do not have one; an ITIN works instead. You will not need a birth certificate from the United States. The process form itself may be slightly different — some states ask fewer questions about citizenship — but the licensing test and the rules of the road are identical.

What to do if your state does not issue licenses to immigrants

If you live in a state that does not offer a standard license or a driving privilege card, you have a few options. First, check your state's DMV website to confirm the current rules, because some states have changed their laws in recent years. Second, look into whether you may be may be able to access for a different immigration status — such as a U visa, T visa, or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) — that would allow you to get a standard license in your state.

Third, if you are planning to move, moving to a state that does issue licenses to immigrants may be worth considering if driving is important to your work or daily life. Fourth, some people in states without immigrant licenses use ride-sharing services, public transportation, or carpools with licensed drivers instead of driving themselves. None of these are ideal solutions, but they are the practical options available in states with stricter rules.

How to find out what your state requires

The fastest way is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "immigrant driver's license" or "ITIN driver's license." Most state DMV sites have a page listing what documents are accepted. You can also call your local DMV office and ask directly what documents you need to bring. Have your state name and a list of documents you have ready when you call, so the staff member can tell you whether you are missing anything.

If your state's website is unclear, contact an immigrant advocacy organization in your state — many have guides specific to your state's rules. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), local legal aid societies, and community nonprofits often maintain up-to-date information about driver's license rules for immigrants in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in a state that allows immigrant licenses even if I do not have an ITIN yet?

It depends on your state. Some states require an ITIN or Social Security number; others do not. A few states will issue a license without either if you can show other proof of identity and residence. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask whether you can bring a foreign passport and proof of residence instead.

If I get a license in a state that allows immigrant licenses, can I use it in other states?

Yes. A valid driver's license from any state is recognized in all other states for driving purposes. However, some states' licenses for immigrants may have a marking or note on them indicating they were issued without proof of citizenship. This does not affect your ability to drive in another state, but it may affect whether you can use the license for non-driving purposes like boarding a plane.

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

A standard driver's license is valid for driving and for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A driving privilege card is valid for driving only and cannot be used for federal purposes. Some states issue one or the other to immigrants without legal status; others offer both options.

Do I have to pass the same written and road tests as citizens?

Yes. The written test and road test are identical for all applicants, regardless of immigration status. You study the same handbook, take the same exam, and demonstrate the same driving skills. The only difference is the documents you bring to prove identity and residence.

What happens if I move to a different state after getting a license?

You can transfer your license to your new state by visiting the DMV and providing proof of residence in the new state. The rules for transfer vary by state, so check your new state's DMV website. Some states accept out-of-state licenses more easily than others, but most will let you transfer if your old license is still valid.