Yes, but the rules depend on your immigration status and which state you live in

Non-citizens can get a driver's license in most U.S. states, but not all states allow it, and the documents you need depend on what immigration status you hold. Some states issue licenses to anyone with a valid visa or work permit. Others issue licenses only to people with permanent resident status. A few states do not issue licenses to non-citizens at all. The state where you live makes this decision, not the federal government, so the answer to your question changes based on geography.

The key difference is between a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license lets you drive. A Real ID license also lets you board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. Non-citizens can usually get a standard license more easily than a Real ID license, because Real ID requires proof of lawful permanent residence or citizenship.

Key Takeaways

  • About 20 states allow non-citizens to get a standard driver's license if they have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document showing they are in the country legally.
  • You will need to bring your passport, immigration document (visa, work permit, or green card), proof of state residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Some states require you to prove you have a Social Security number; others accept an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number.
  • A Real ID-compliant license usually requires permanent resident status, even in states that issue standard licenses to people on temporary visas.
  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists which documents they accept and whether non-citizens can get a license in your state.

Which states allow non-citizens to get a driver's license

States that allow non-citizens to get a standard driver's license include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. This list changes occasionally as states pass new laws, so checking your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website is the only way to know the current rule where you live.

In these states, you typically need to show that you are in the country legally — meaning you have a visa, work permit, green card, or another immigration document that proves your status. You do not need to be a permanent resident or citizen. Some states in this group also accept people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, though the rules vary.

States that do not allow non-citizens to get a driver's license include Texas, Florida, Georgia, and several others. In these states, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to get a license. If you live in a state with this rule and you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a standard driver's license through the normal process.

Documents you will need to bring

The exact documents vary by state, but most states that issue licenses to non-citizens ask for the same basic set. Bring your passport and your immigration document — this could be a visa, work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD), green card, or other proof that you are in the country legally. You will also need proof of your state residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

You will need to prove your identity and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security number, bring a Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which is a nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS; this process takes several weeks.

Some states also require proof of your date of birth, such as a birth certificate. Bring any document that shows your name, date of birth, and signature. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website before you go, because the exact list of acceptable documents changes by state and sometimes by location within a state.

How immigration status affects which license you can get

If you have a work visa (such as an H-1B visa), you can usually get a standard driver's license in states that allow non-citizens to hold licenses. The same is true for student visas (F-1 visas), tourist visas, and most other temporary visa categories. Your visa must be valid — expired visas do not count — and you must bring the visa itself or your passport showing the visa stamp.

If you have a green card (permanent resident status), you can get a standard driver's license in any state, and you can also get a Real ID-compliant license in most states. Permanent residents are treated almost the same as citizens for driver's license purposes in most places.

If you have DACA status, the rules are more complicated. Some states that allow non-citizens to get licenses also accept DACA status as proof of legal presence. Others do not. You will need to check your specific state's rules. DACA holders typically cannot get a Real ID license, because Real ID requires permanent resident status or citizenship.

If you are in the country without legal immigration status, you cannot get a driver's license in any state through the standard process. Some states have explored other options, but as of now, no state issues a standard driver's license to people who are not in the country legally.

Real ID licenses and non-citizens

A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a star or other marking in the upper right corner. It lets you board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access certain military bases. A standard driver's license does not have this marking and does not let you do these things.

To get a Real ID license, you must prove you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Most states do not issue Real ID licenses to people on temporary visas, even if they issue standard licenses to them. If you are on a work visa or student visa and you live in a state that allows non-citizens to get standard licenses, you can get a standard license but not a Real ID license.

If you need to board a domestic airplane and you do not have a Real ID license, you can use your passport instead. Your passport is accepted at airport security in place of a Real ID license.

The process for getting a license in your state

The first step is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and look for the section on driver's licenses for non-citizens or immigrants. This section will tell you whether your state allows non-citizens to get licenses and which documents you need. Write down the exact list of documents, because requirements vary by state and sometimes by DMV location.

Next, gather your documents. Make copies of everything — bring the originals and the copies. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. Many states require certified translations, not just any translation.

Make an appointment at your local DMV if your state allows appointments. Some states require appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all your documents, your completed process form (which you can usually read from the DMV website), and any fees. Fees vary by state but typically range from $20 to $100 for a standard license.

You will take a written test on traffic laws and a driving test. The written test is usually offered in multiple languages. Ask the DMV whether the test is available in your language when you make your appointment or arrive at the office.

What to do if your state does not allow non-citizens to get licenses

If you live in a state that does not allow non-citizens to get driver's licenses, you have a few options. You can move to a state that does allow it, though this is not practical for most people. You can use your passport or visa as identification when you need to prove who you are, though these are not ideal for everyday use.

Some states that do not allow non-citizens to get standard driver's licenses do allow them to get an identification card (ID card) instead. An ID card looks like a driver's license but does not let you drive. It can be used for identification purposes. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available where you live.

If you are planning to move to the United States and you know you will need a driver's license, choosing a state that allows non-citizens to get licenses can make your transition easier. This is one factor among many to consider when deciding where to live.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not always. Some states require a Social Security number, but others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS by filing Form W-7. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your state accepts ITINs.

Can I get a driver's license if I am on a student visa?

Yes, in states that allow non-citizens to get licenses. You will need to bring your passport, your valid F-1 visa or I-20 form, proof of state residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. The rules are the same as for people on work visas or other temporary visas.

What if my visa expires before my license expires?

Your driver's license will still be valid even after your visa expires, as long as you obtained the license legally while your visa was valid. However, you should not drive if you are in the country illegally. If your visa is expiring, talk to an immigration attorney about your options before it expires.

Can I use my driver's license from another country instead of getting a U.S. license?

You can drive with an international driving permit or a valid foreign driver's license for a limited time (usually 30 days to one year, depending on the state), but you will need a U.S. driver's license to drive legally long-term. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules on how long you can drive with a foreign license.

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

No. Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status. However, if you are concerned about how any action might affect your immigration case, talk to an immigration attorney before you proceed. An attorney can review your specific situation and give you information based on your circumstances.