Yes, you can get a driver's license with an employment authorization card, but the process and what you'll need depends on your state and the specific type of work permit you hold.

An employment authorization card — also called an EAD or work permit — is a federal document that proves you have permission to work in the United States. It is not the same as a state ID or driver's license. However, most states will accept an EAD as proof of work authorization when you explore for a driver's license, and some states treat it as a valid identity document for that purpose.

The real barrier is not whether your EAD counts as proof of work authorization. The barrier is whether your state will issue you a driver's license at all given your immigration status. Some states issue licenses to people regardless of immigration status. Others issue licenses only to people who can prove lawful presence or citizenship. A few states have middle-ground rules tied to specific visa categories or work permit types.

Your state's rules, not your EAD itself, determine whether you can get a license. You need to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them directly to learn what documents they require and whether they issue licenses to EAD holders.

Key Takeaways

  • An employment authorization card proves you can work legally, but it does not automatically mean your state will issue you a driver's license.
  • Some states issue driver's licenses to anyone with an EAD regardless of immigration status; others do not issue licenses to non-citizens at all.
  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets the rules, so you must contact them directly to learn what documents they accept and whether you are may be able to access.
  • If your state does not issue licenses to EAD holders, you may be able to get a state ID card for non-driving purposes instead.
  • Bring your original EAD plus the other documents your state requires — typically proof of identity, proof of residence, and a Social Security number or ITIN.

States That Issue Licenses to EAD Holders

As of now, roughly 20 states issue driver's licenses or state ID cards to people with an employment authorization card, regardless of immigration status. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and a few others. The rules and required documents vary by state.

California, for example, issues a standard driver's license to EAD holders and does not mark it differently. New York issues a standard license but requires you to bring your EAD, proof of identity, proof of residence, and a completed process. Some states issue a license with a notation that it is not valid for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight.

Even within states that do issue licenses to EAD holders, the specific documents you need and the processing time can differ. Contact your state's DMV before you go in person to confirm what you need to bring and whether there are any restrictions on how you can use the license.

States That Do Not Issue Licenses to EAD Holders

Other states require proof of lawful presence or citizenship to get a driver's license and will not issue one to someone with only an EAD. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri (in some cases), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and others. The rules change periodically, so you cannot assume your state's policy based on past practice.

If your state does not issue driver's licenses to EAD holders, you may still be able to get a state ID card for identification purposes. A state ID card is not a driver's license and cannot be used to drive, but it can serve as proof of identity for banking, travel, and other purposes. Some states that do not issue driver's licenses to non-citizens will still issue state ID cards.

A few states have passed laws allowing driver's licenses for certain visa holders or work permit categories but not others. For example, some states issue licenses to people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) but not to people with other types of work authorization. You must check your specific state's current rules.

What Documents to Bring When You explore

If your state does issue driver's licenses to EAD holders, you will need to bring your original employment authorization card plus several other documents. The standard package includes proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID from your home country), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease in your name), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website or fill out in person. A few states require you to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws. Some states require proof of a valid Social Security number; if you do not have one, you may be able to use an ITIN instead, but this varies by state.

Bring documents in their original form whenever possible. Photocopies are usually not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals plus certified English translations. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents and any translation requirements before you explore.

How Your EAD Category Affects Your Options

The type of work authorization you hold can matter in some states. For example, people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status can get driver's licenses in most states, and many states specifically allow it. People with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can get licenses in some states but not others. People with pending asylum cases or other forms of work authorization may face different rules.

Your EAD card itself will show a category code that indicates what type of work authorization you have. Common categories include "A12" for DACA, "C33" for asylum-based work authorization, and "A08" for Temporary Protected Status. Some states have written their rules to allow certain categories but not others, though this is less common than a blanket rule that applies to all EAD holders.

If you are unsure what category your EAD falls under, look at the card itself. The category code appears in the lower right corner. When you contact your state's DMV, mention your specific category code so they can tell you whether it affects your may be able to access.

What Happens If Your State Does Not Issue Licenses to EAD Holders

If your state does not issue driver's licenses to people with an EAD, you have a few options. First, check whether your state issues state ID cards to EAD holders. A state ID card serves as proof of identity and can be used for many purposes, though not for driving. The process process is usually the same as for a driver's license, and you bring the same documents.

Second, if you travel frequently or need a federally recognized ID, you can explore for a passport from your home country. A passport is accepted as proof of identity in all U.S. states and can be used for domestic travel, banking, and other purposes. You do not need a U.S. driver's license to have a passport.

Third, if you live in a state that does not issue licenses to EAD holders but you work or study in a neighboring state that does, you may be able to get a license in that neighboring state. Some states allow you to get a license if you have a job or school enrollment in that state, even if you do not live there. This is not may provide and depends on the specific state's rules.

Processing Time and Fees

The time it takes to get a driver's license with an EAD varies by state. In states that routinely issue licenses to EAD holders, the process is usually the same as for any other applicant and takes one to four weeks. In states where EAD holders are less common, the DMV may need extra time to verify your work authorization, which can add one to two weeks.

Fees also vary by state. A standard driver's license typically costs between $20 and $100, depending on the state and how long the license is valid. Some states charge the same fee for EAD holders as for citizens. A few states charge a higher fee or require additional processing fees for non-citizens, though this is uncommon.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and processing time. Some states allow you to pay online or by mail, while others require you to pay in person at the DMV office. If you need the license quickly, ask whether your state offers expedited processing and what it costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my driver's license be marked as different if I got it with an EAD?

In most states that issue licenses to EAD holders, the license looks the same as any other driver's license. However, a few states issue licenses with a notation that they are not valid for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight without additional ID. Check your state's specific rules before you explore.

Can I use my EAD as proof of identity at the DMV?

Your EAD proves work authorization, not identity. You will need a separate identity document such as a passport, national ID card, or consular ID. The DMV will not accept an EAD alone as proof of who you are, even though it is a federal document.

What if I have an EAD but no Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have either, contact your state's DMV to ask what alternatives they accept. Some states allow you to explore without a Social Security number or ITIN, though this is rare.

Do I need to renew my driver's license when my EAD expires?

Once you have a driver's license, it is valid for the period printed on the card, regardless of what happens to your EAD. If your EAD expires but your license is still valid, you can continue to use the license. You only need to renew the license when the expiration date on the license itself arrives.

Can I get a license in a different state if my home state does not issue them to EAD holders?

Some states allow you to get a license if you work or study there, even if you do not live there. However, this varies widely. Contact the DMV in the state where you work or study to ask about their residency requirements.