What documents you need and where you can get a license

Whether you can get a driver's license as an undocumented immigrant depends entirely on which state you live in. Some states issue licenses to undocumented residents; others do not. As of 2024, at least 16 states plus Washington D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license or a license-equivalent document. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. Other states have different rules or prohibit it entirely.

The states that allow it typically require the same documents any applicant needs — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The key difference is that undocumented immigrants can use a passport, consular ID, or other home-country documents as proof of identity, and they can use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. You do not need to prove legal immigration status.

If your state does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, some offer an alternative: a driving privilege card or a limited-term license that serves the same purpose for driving but is not accepted as federal identification for boarding planes or entering federal buildings. A few states offer neither option.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen states and Washington D.C. currently issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of legal status.
  • You will need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
  • Some states that do not allow standard licenses offer driving privilege cards, which let you drive legally but are not accepted as federal ID.
  • Rules vary by state and change periodically, so contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly to confirm current policy before gathering documents.

States that issue standard driver's licenses

California was the first state to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license, beginning in 2015 under Assembly Bill 60. The process there requires a valid passport or consular ID, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. You also must pass a written test and a driving test. The license looks identical to any other California license and is accepted as ID for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

New York began issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants in 2019. The state accepts a passport, consular ID, or a combination of documents proving identity and residency. Like California, you need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. The process includes the standard written and road tests. New York's license is also federally accepted.

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. have similar programs, though the specific documents accepted and the exact process vary. Some states accept a wider range of identity documents; others are more restrictive. A few require an ITIN specifically and do not accept a Social Security number. Contact your state's DMV website or call their main line to learn the exact requirements for your state.

States that offer driving privilege cards instead

If your state does not issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants, it may offer a driving privilege card or a limited-term license. These documents allow you to drive legally and are recognized by police during traffic stops, but they are not accepted as federal identification. You cannot use them to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account.

States offering driving privilege cards include Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri. The documents are issued through the same DMV process as a standard license, and you will need the same types of proof: identity, residency, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. The main limitation is their scope — they work for driving only, not for other purposes that require ID.

A small number of states have considered or passed laws allowing these cards but have not yet implemented them, so the landscape continues to shift. Check your state DMV's website to see whether your state offers this option.

What proof of identity and residency looks like

For proof of identity, most states that allow undocumented immigrants to get a license accept a valid passport from any country, a consular ID (also called a matricula consular), or a national ID card from your home country. Some states also accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill. A few states have their own specific list of acceptable documents, so check your state's DMV website before you gather anything.

For proof of residency, you typically need a document showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you do not have utilities in your name, a lease or a letter from your landlord confirming your address can work. Some states accept a letter from a social service agency or a school enrollment document.

For the Social Security number or ITIN, you will need the actual number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need one. You will need to file a tax return or have a reason to request an ITIN; the IRS does not issue them without a may have access to reason. Many undocumented immigrants obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return, even if no taxes are owed.

The written test, road test, and fees

Once you have gathered your documents, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and then a road test with a DMV examiner. Both tests are the same as those given to any other applicant. The written test is usually offered in multiple languages, including Spanish. You can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available online.

The road test requires a vehicle and, in most states, proof that the vehicle is insured. If you do not own a car, you may be able to use a friend's or family member's vehicle, provided it is registered and insured. Some states allow you to use a vehicle belonging to someone else; others require the vehicle to be registered in your name or the name of a household member. Check your state's rules before scheduling the test.

License fees vary by state but typically range from $20 to $100 for a standard license. Some states charge the same fee for undocumented immigrants as for citizens; others charge slightly more. Driving privilege cards sometimes cost less. Payment is usually made in cash or by card at the DMV office.

How to learn about your state allows it

The fastest way to learn your state's current policy is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "undocumented" or "ITIN." If the website does not have clear information, call the DMV's main customer service line and ask directly whether your state issues licenses to undocumented immigrants and what documents you need. Have your state name ready and be prepared to wait on hold.

You can also contact a local immigrant rights organization in your area. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), local legal aid societies, and community-based organizations often maintain current information about driver's license rules and can walk you through the process. Many offer free consultations or can connect you with resources.

Rules change periodically as states pass new laws, so even if you heard that your state does not allow licenses for undocumented immigrants, it is worth checking again. Several states have changed their policies in recent years, and more may do so in the future.

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 any automatic immigration enforcement action. However, if you are pulled over for a traffic violation, an officer could run a background check that reveals immigration status. The license itself does not cause this — the traffic stop does. Some states have laws limiting how police can use DMV information for immigration enforcement, so check your state's specific rules.

Can I use an ITIN if I do not file taxes?

You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS, but the IRS requires a may have access to reason — usually filing a tax return. If you have income, filing a return is the standard way to get an ITIN. If you do not have income, you may not be able to obtain one. Some states allow you to use other documents instead of a Social Security number or ITIN; check your state's DMV rules.

What if I fail the written or road test?

You can retake either test. Most states allow you to retake the written test when ready or within a few days. The road test usually requires scheduling another appointment, which may take a few weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is. There is typically a small fee each time you retake a test. You can take the test as many times as needed until you pass.

Is a driving privilege card the same as a regular license?

A driving privilege card lets you drive legally and is recognized by police during traffic stops, but it is not accepted as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. For driving purposes only, it works the same way as a regular license.

How long does the whole process take?

From the time you gather documents to the time you receive your license usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how busy your local DMV is and how quickly you can schedule the road test. If you need to obtain an ITIN first, add several weeks to that timeline. Some DMVs offer expedited processing for an additional fee.