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

Non-U.S. citizens can obtain a driver's license in most states, but the process and requirements vary significantly. Some states issue licenses to anyone with a valid form of identification and proof of residency, regardless of citizenship status. Other states restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents only. A third group of states issues special licenses or permits to undocumented immigrants that are valid for driving but carry restrictions or different expiration periods.

The key factor is your state of residence and your immigration status — whether you hold a visa, a green card, a work permit, or have no immigration documents. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets the rules, not federal law, which is why two people in the same situation can have completely different outcomes depending on where they live.

Key Takeaways

  • Roughly 20 states allow driver's licenses for non-citizens with valid visas, work permits, or other immigration documents; about 15 states allow them for undocumented immigrants under certain conditions.
  • You will need to bring your state-issued ID or passport, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement), proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a completed process form.
  • States that restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents will deny your process if you cannot show a green card or naturalization certificate.
  • Some states issue standard licenses to non-citizens; others issue licenses marked "Not for Federal Purposes" that cannot be used for air travel or federal building entry.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents and immigration statuses it accepts, and calling ahead can save you a wasted trip.

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

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 non-citizens who meet their specific requirements. The exact rules differ by state — some require a valid visa or work permit, others accept an ITIN alone, and a few have no citizenship requirement at all.

California and New York, for example, issue licenses to anyone with proof of identity and residency, regardless of immigration status. Colorado requires a valid visa or work permit. Connecticut accepts an ITIN and proof of state residency. Each state's DMV website lists the exact documents it will accept, and the requirements can change. Calling your state DMV before you go is the fastest way to confirm what you need to bring.

States that restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents

Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming restrict standard driver's licenses to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If you live in one of these states and do not hold a green card or naturalization certificate, you will not be issued a standard license.

Some of these states offer no alternative. Others, including Arizona and Utah, issue special driving permits or privilege cards that allow you to drive legally but carry restrictions — for example, they may not be accepted as identification for air travel or federal buildings. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an alternative exists in your state.

What documents you need to bring

Most states require the same core set of documents from non-citizens as from citizens, with one key addition: proof of legal presence or a tax identification number. The standard list includes a valid passport or state-issued ID from your home country, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and a completed process form.

For proof of tax identification, you will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-citizens who file taxes or have other tax obligations. If you do not have either, you may still be able to obtain a license in states that do not require one, but you should confirm this with your state DMV before visiting. Some states also require a birth certificate or a document showing your date of birth.

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. Photocopies are usually not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals and a certified English translation. Your state DMV can tell you which translation services it recognizes.

How immigration status affects your process

Your immigration status determines which states will issue you a license and what documents you must bring. If you hold a valid visa (student, work, temporary, or other), most states that allow non-citizens will issue a license. If you hold a green card, all states will issue a license. If you have a work permit or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), many states will accept it as proof of legal presence.

If you are undocumented — meaning you have no visa, work permit, or green card — only a handful of states will issue a standard license. California, New York, Illinois, Maryland, and a few others do so without requiring proof of legal status. Most other states will deny your process. Some states offer a middle ground: a special permit that allows you to drive but is not valid for federal purposes.

Your visa expiration date also matters. Some states require your visa to be valid at the time of process; others do not. If your visa is expiring soon, confirm your state's rule before explore, because an expired visa may disqualify you even if you are in the process of renewing it.

Licenses marked "Not for Federal Purposes"

Several states issue licenses to non-citizens that are marked "Not for Federal Purposes" or carry similar restrictions. These licenses are valid for driving and can be used as identification for most everyday purposes — renting a car, entering a bank, or buying age-restricted items. However, they cannot be used to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain find facilities.

If you need a license that is valid for federal purposes, you must either hold a green card or become a U.S. citizen. Some states that issue restricted licenses also offer a separate Real ID-compliant license to citizens and permanent residents only. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available to you.

How to find out what your state requires

The fastest way to learn your state's specific rules is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "non-citizen driver's license" or "ITIN driver's license." Most state DMV websites have a dedicated page listing the documents and immigration statuses they accept. If the website is unclear, call the DMV directly — most states have a phone line for questions, and staff can tell you exactly what to bring before you visit in person.

Bring a list of the documents you plan to present, or ask the DMV to email you a checklist. Some DMVs allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. If you are explore with an ITIN, bring the ITIN letter from the IRS along with your ITIN card or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you are explore with a visa or work permit, bring the original document and a photocopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if my visa has expired?

It depends on your state. Some states require your visa to be valid at the time of process; others do not. A few states allow you to renew a license based on an expired visa if you can show proof that you have applied for a renewal or extension. Call your state DMV to confirm its rule before you explore.

What if I have a work permit but no visa?

A work permit (Employment Authorization Document) is accepted by most states that allow non-citizens to hold licenses. Bring the original EAD card, a photocopy, and proof of residency. Some states also require proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Check your state DMV website to confirm.

Can I use an ITIN to get a driver's license?

Yes, in most states that allow non-citizens to hold licenses. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-citizens who file taxes or have tax obligations. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS, your passport or state ID, and proof of residency. Some states do not require an ITIN at all.

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

No. Obtaining a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create any legal obligation. It is a state document, not a federal one. However, if you are undocumented and live in a state that does not allow non-citizens to hold licenses, explore may result in a denial that is recorded in your DMV file.

What is the difference between a standard license and a "Not for Federal Purposes" license?

A standard license can be used for driving, identification, and federal purposes like air travel. A "Not for Federal Purposes" license is valid for driving and everyday identification but cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Only citizens and permanent residents can hold a standard Real ID-compliant license in most states.