What undocumented immigrants can do right now

Yes, an undocumented person can obtain a driver's license in many U.S. states, but the rules vary significantly by location. Some states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants without restriction. Others require proof of legal presence and will deny a license if you cannot provide it. A third group offers a separate document — sometimes called a "driving privilege card" or "occupational license" — that lets you drive legally but is not accepted as federal identification.

The state you live in determines what you can get and what documents you will need to bring. There is no federal driver's license; each state sets its own rules. Before you go to the DMV, you need to know which category your state falls into, because showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of legal status.
  • Other states require a Social Security number or proof of legal presence, which undocumented immigrants cannot provide, and will deny the license.
  • Some states offer a separate driving privilege card or occupational license that allows you to drive legally but is not valid for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
  • You will need to contact your state's DMV directly or check their website to learn which category your state falls into and what documents to bring.
  • Proof of residency, a completed process form, and proof of identity are required in nearly all states, regardless of immigration status.

States that issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C. all issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. These licenses look the same as any other license issued in that state and can be used for driving, boarding domestic flights, and entering federal buildings.

In these states, you do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal status. You will still need to prove your identity (usually with a passport or consular ID), prove you live in the state (a utility bill or lease works), and pass the written and driving tests. The process is the same as for any other applicant — the difference is that immigration status is not a barrier.

Some of these states have specific rules about which documents count as proof of identity. For example, a Mexican consular ID (matrícula consular) is accepted in California and New York but not everywhere. Check your state DMV's website or call their customer service line to confirm which documents they will accept before you gather everything.

States that require proof of legal presence

The majority of states require proof of legal presence — usually a Social Security number, a visa, a green card, or another document showing you are authorized to be in the United States. If you are undocumented, you cannot provide this proof, and the state will deny your license process. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Some of these states have made exceptions for specific groups — for example, some allow DACA recipients (people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status) to get a license because DACA holders have work authorization. But if you are undocumented without DACA status, you will not be able to get a standard license in these states.

Driving privilege cards and occupational licenses

A handful of states — including Illinois, New Mexico, and some others — offer a middle option: a driving privilege card or occupational license. This document allows you to drive legally within the state and shows law enforcement that you have passed a driving test. However, it is not accepted as federal identification and cannot be used to board a plane or enter a federal building.

These cards are designed specifically for people who cannot prove legal presence but need to drive for work or daily life. The process process is similar to a standard license — you still need to pass the written and driving tests and provide proof of identity and residency — but you do not need to provide a Social Security number or proof of legal status.

The card usually has a different appearance than a standard license so that it is when ready recognizable as a driving privilege card rather than a full license. Some employers and landlords accept it as proof of identity; others do not. Check with your state DMV about what this card can and cannot be used for in your specific situation.

Documents you will need to bring

Regardless of which type of license your state offers, you will need to bring several documents to the DMV. Nearly all states require proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form. Some also require proof of a Social Security number (if you have one) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Proof of identity usually means a passport, a consular ID from your home country, or a birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be recent — typically from the last two or three months.

Some states also require proof of a Social Security number or ITIN. If you have an ITIN (a number issued by the IRS for tax purposes), bring the letter from the IRS that shows your ITIN. If you do not have either, tell the DMV staff when you arrive; they will let you know whether you can proceed without one or whether you need to come back with additional documents.

How to find out what your state requires

The fastest way to learn what your state offers is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "undocumented" or "no Social Security number." Most state DMVs have a page that explains the rules clearly. If the website is unclear, call the DMV customer service line and ask directly: "Can an undocumented person get a driver's license in this state, and if so, what documents do I need to bring?"

You can also contact a local immigrant services organization in your area. Many nonprofits that serve immigrants have staff who know the DMV rules inside and out and can walk you through the process. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and local legal aid societies often have guides specific to your state.

Before you go to the DMV, gather all the documents you think you will need and call ahead to confirm. DMV staff can tell you whether you have the right documents or whether you need to bring something else. This prevents a wasted trip and reduces the stress of showing up unprepared.

What happens during the DMV visit

When you arrive at the DMV, you will fill out an process form (usually the standard driver's license process). You will provide your documents for verification. DMV staff will check your identity and residency proof and may ask questions about your address or how long you have lived in the state.

You will then take a written test about traffic laws and road signs. This test is the same for everyone and is usually offered in multiple languages. After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with a DMV examiner. You will need to bring a vehicle and proof of insurance to take the driving test.

If you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken and receive your license or driving privilege card. The entire process usually takes a few hours. Some states mail the license to you after a few days; others give it to you the same day.

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. Getting a license does not trigger any immigration enforcement action. The DMV does not share your information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. However, if you are pulled over by police, a license alone does not protect you from immigration enforcement if an officer decides to check your status.

Can I use a driver's license from another state if I move?

No. Once you move to a new state, you need to get a license from that state. Each state has its own rules about who can get a license. If you move from a state that issues licenses to undocumented immigrants to a state that does not, you will not be able to renew your license in the new state. You will need to check the rules in your new state before you move.

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

Contact your state's DMV and ask what other documents count as proof of identity. Some states accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a school ID or work ID. Your home country's consulate can also issue a consular ID if you need one; contact them to learn about the process and cost.

Can I get a license if I have a court case or am in removal proceedings?

Yes. Having an active immigration case does not disqualify you from getting a driver's license. The DMV does not check immigration status in states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. However, if you are in removal proceedings, consult with an immigration attorney before taking any action, because they may have information specific to your situation.

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

A driver's license is accepted as federal identification and can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A driving privilege card is only for driving and is not accepted as federal identification. Both allow you to drive legally. Which one you can get depends on your state's rules.