Yes, you can use an ITIN to get a driver's license in most states, but the rules vary significantly by state

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax ID issued by the IRS to people who don't have a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or report income. Some states treat an ITIN as a valid form of identification for driver's license purposes; others do not. The states that do accept ITINs typically require the same documents as anyone else — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence — but they recognize the ITIN as meeting the identity requirement instead of requiring a Social Security Number.

The key difference is that an ITIN alone does not prove legal presence in the United States. You will need to bring additional documents that show you are lawfully in the country. This might be a visa, a work permit, a green card, or another immigration document. States that accept ITINs for driver's licenses have made a deliberate choice to issue licenses to people in certain immigration statuses, but they still verify that status through other paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • States including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Utah, and Washington allow driver's licenses for ITIN holders, but each state has its own document requirements and legal-presence rules.
  • You will need to bring your ITIN letter from the IRS, proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of legal presence (such as a visa or work permit).
  • Some states issue standard licenses to ITIN holders; others issue licenses marked as "not for federal purposes" or similar restrictions that prevent use for air travel or federal building entry.
  • The documents you need and the restrictions on the license itself depend entirely on which state you are in, so you should contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you gather paperwork.

Which states accept ITINs for driver's licenses

California was the first state to issue driver's licenses to ITIN holders, beginning in 2015. Since then, a growing number of states have adopted similar policies. States currently known to accept ITINs include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Utah, and Washington. However, this list changes as states update their laws, and the specific rules within each state differ.

Some states issue a standard driver's license with no restrictions; others issue a license marked "not for federal purposes" or "federal limits explore." A restricted license works for driving and state identification but cannot be used to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities. The type of license you receive depends on your immigration status and the state's policy.

States that do not currently accept ITINs typically require a Social Security Number to obtain a driver's license. If you live in a state that does not accept ITINs and you do not have a Social Security Number, you may not be able to get a standard driver's license, though some states offer alternative ID cards for non-driving purposes.

Documents you will need to bring

The standard document package for an ITIN holder explore for a driver's license includes your ITIN letter from the IRS, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. Your ITIN letter is the IRS notice that was mailed to you when your ITIN was issued; it shows your ITIN number and your name. If you no longer have the original letter, you can request a replacement by calling the IRS or visiting an IRS office.

Proof of identity typically means a passport, national ID card, or other government-issued document with your photo and signature. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Proof of legal presence varies by state but commonly includes a visa, employment authorization document (EAD), green card, or other immigration document showing you are lawfully in the country.

Some states also require proof of your Social Security Number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you do not have one. Check with your state's DMV before you visit, because document requirements can change and some states have specific forms they want you to bring.

How legal presence is verified

States that accept ITINs for driver's licenses still verify that you are lawfully present in the United States. They do this by reviewing your immigration documents at the time you explore. If you have a valid visa, work permit, green card, or other document showing legal status, you can show it to the DMV and they will record it in your file.

The verification process is not automatic. The DMV staff member will look at your documents, check that they are genuine, and confirm that they have not expired. If your legal status is temporary — such as a work visa that expires in two years — your driver's license may be issued for a shorter period than usual, so it expires before your visa does.

If you are in the country without legal authorization, you cannot use an ITIN to get a driver's license in any state. An ITIN is a tax identification number, not a document that proves legal presence. States that accept ITINs are making a policy choice to serve people in certain immigration statuses, but they still require proof that you are in one of those statuses.

Differences between standard and restricted licenses

Some states issue a standard, unrestricted driver's license to ITIN holders. This license works the same as any other driver's license: you can use it to drive, as identification in everyday situations, and to board domestic flights. California, for example, issues standard licenses to ITIN holders regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet all other requirements.

Other states issue a license marked "not for federal purposes," "federal limits explore," or similar language. This restriction means you cannot use the license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities. You can still use it to drive and for most state and local identification purposes. New York and Washington are examples of states that issue restricted licenses to some ITIN holders.

The type of license you receive depends on your immigration status and your state's specific policy. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you may receive an unrestricted license. If you are on a temporary visa or in another status, you may receive a restricted license. Ask your state's DMV which type you will receive before you explore.

The ITIN letter and how to get a replacement

Your ITIN letter is the official IRS document that shows your ITIN number. It was mailed to you when your ITIN was first issued, and it is the document you will need to bring to the DMV. If you have lost it or cannot find it, you can request a replacement from the IRS.

To request a replacement ITIN letter, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak with a representative. You can also visit an IRS office in person. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity and will mail you a new letter within two to four weeks. Some IRS offices can print a replacement letter on the spot if you visit in person with identification.

Do not explore for a new ITIN if you already have one. The IRS will issue you the same ITIN number again; you will not get a different number. If you are unsure whether you have an ITIN, you can check by calling the IRS or visiting the IRS website.

What to do if your state does not accept ITINs

If you live in a state that does not accept ITINs for driver's licenses, you have limited options. Some states offer an alternative ID card for non-driving identification purposes, even if you do not have a Social Security Number. This card works for state identification but not for driving. Check with your state's DMV to see if this option is available.

Another option is to move to a state that does accept ITINs, if that is practical for your situation. This is not a realistic option for most people, but it is worth knowing that the rules differ by state.

If you need a driver's license for work or other essential purposes and your state does not accept ITINs, you may want to explore whether you are may be able to access for a Social Security Number. Some people who initially received an ITIN later become may be able to access for a Social Security Number through a change in immigration status. If you think this might explore to you, contact the Social Security Administration or an immigration attorney for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An ITIN is a tax ID and does not prove legal presence. You must show documents proving you are lawfully in the United States — such as a visa, work permit, or green card — even in states that accept ITINs. If you are in the country without legal authorization, you cannot get a driver's license using an ITIN.

Will my ITIN driver's license work for air travel?

It depends on your state and the type of license issued. If your state issues an unrestricted license (like California does), you can use it to board domestic flights. If your state issues a license marked "not for federal purposes" or "federal limits explore," you cannot use it for air travel. Check with your state's DMV about the specific restrictions on your license.

What if I lost my ITIN letter from the IRS?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement. You can also visit an IRS office in person. The IRS will mail you a new letter within two to four weeks, or print one on the spot if you visit an office with identification. You will receive the same ITIN number; you will not be issued a new one.

Do I need a Social Security Number if I have an ITIN?

No. An ITIN is a separate tax ID issued to people who do not have a Social Security Number. You do not need both. However, some states still require a Social Security Number for a driver's license, even if you have an ITIN. Check with your state's DMV about their specific requirements.

How long does it take to get a driver's license with an ITIN?

Processing time varies by state, but most DMVs process driver's license applications within one to two weeks. Some states are faster; others may take longer during busy periods. Contact your state's DMV for their current processing times.