Non-citizens can get a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the rules depend on your immigration status and which state you live in

Whether you can get a driver's license as a non-citizen comes down to two things: your state's rules and what immigration documents you have. Some states issue licenses to anyone with proof of identity and residency, regardless of immigration status. Others require a Social Security number or specific visa types. A few states restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents only. The document you'll need — and whether you can get one at all — depends entirely on where you are.

The process itself looks the same as it does for citizens: you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), bring documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The difference is in which documents the DMV will accept from you and whether your immigration status disqualifies you before you even start.

Key Takeaways

  • About 20 states issue driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid work permits, visas, or other immigration documents; the rest have varying restrictions.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (passport or national ID card), proof of state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your immigration status or work authorization.
  • Some states ask for a Social Security number; if you don't have one, you may still be able to get a license if your state accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, and calling ahead can save you a trip if your immigration status doesn't match what they require.

Which states allow non-citizens to get a license

States fall into roughly three categories. The most permissive group — including California, New York, Illinois, and Washington — issues licenses to non-citizens who have work authorization, a valid visa, or even just proof they live in the state. These states often accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number.

A middle group requires specific immigration status. Some states issue licenses only to people with permanent resident status (a green card), while others accept temporary visas like H-1B or F-1 student visas. A few in this group will issue licenses to people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

A smaller group — including Arizona, Georgia, and a handful of others — restricts licenses to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. If you fall outside those categories, you cannot get a standard driver's license in those states, though some offer an alternative ID card for other purposes.

Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents they accept. Because these rules change and vary widely, calling your local DMV before you gather documents is the fastest way to know whether you can proceed.

Documents you will likely need to bring

Most states ask for three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of state residency, and proof of immigration status or work authorization. Proof of identity usually means a valid passport or national ID card from your home country. Some states accept a foreign driver's license if it's current and has your photo.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage document with your name and a current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. If you don't have utilities in your name, a lease signed by you works in most places.

Proof of immigration status or work authorization is where the rules shift most. You might bring a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD), a valid visa with your passport, a green card, or a DACA approval notice. Some states accept an ITIN letter from the IRS if you don't have a Social Security number. A few states accept an Individual Tax Identification Number itself without the letter.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV will often make copies for you, but they need to see the real document first.

What to do if your state restricts licenses to citizens only

If your state does not issue licenses to non-citizens, you have a few options. The first is to check whether your state offers an alternative ID card — a document that looks like a driver's license but is not valid for driving. It works for identification purposes and can help you open a bank account or board a domestic flight. The requirements are sometimes less strict than for a license.

The second option is to look into whether a neighboring state with more permissive rules will issue you a license. Some people who live near state borders do this, though you should check whether your home state recognizes out-of-state licenses for purposes like car registration and insurance.

The third option is to work with an immigration attorney or a local immigrant advocacy organization. They can tell you whether your immigration status might change soon — for example, if you have a pending green card process — and whether waiting might open up options. They can also help you understand whether getting a license in another state creates any complications for your immigration case.

How to find your state's specific rules

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website has a page listing which documents they accept for a driver's license. Search "[your state] DMV non-citizen driver's license" or "[your state] DMV ITIN driver's license" to find it quickly. The page usually shows exactly which visa types, work permits, or immigration statuses may have access to.

If the website is unclear, call your local DMV office directly. Ask specifically: "I am a non-citizen with [your immigration status]. Can I get a driver's license, and what documents do I need to bring?" Writing down the name of the person you spoke to and the date can help if you later have a question about what you were told.

Some states also have immigrant resource centers or legal aid organizations that keep updated lists of which documents each DMV office accepts. These organizations sometimes catch rule changes before the DMV website does.

What happens during the license process process

Once you have confirmed your state will issue you a license, the process follows standard steps. You go to your local DMV office with your documents. You fill out the process form (usually the state's standard driver's license process). The DMV staff will review your documents, make copies, and ask you questions to verify the information.

You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Most states offer this test in multiple languages. You can usually study using a free online practice test on your state's DMV website. After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test with an examiner who watches you drive and evaluates your skills.

Once you pass both tests, you pay the license fee (usually $20 to $100, depending on the state and how long the license is valid). You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the physical card in the mail within one to three weeks. Some states now issue the card on the spot.

Using an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. Many non-citizens use an ITIN for tax purposes. Some states accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number when you explore for a driver's license.

If your state accepts an ITIN, you will need to bring either your ITIN letter from the IRS (the official document showing your number) or your tax return showing the ITIN. Some states ask for both. If you don't have an ITIN yet and think you might need one, you can request it from the IRS by filing a tax return or by submitting Form W-7 directly to the IRS.

Not all states accept ITINs for driver's licenses even if they accept them for other purposes. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I'm in the U.S. without immigration status?

It depends on your state. States like California, New York, and Illinois issue licenses to people regardless of immigration status, as long as they can prove residency. Other states require work authorization or a specific visa. A few states do not issue licenses to non-citizens at all. Check your state's DMV website to know for certain.

What if I have a visa but no Social Security number?

Many states accept an ITIN, a passport, or a work permit in place of a Social Security number. Some states accept all three; others accept only one. Call your DMV and describe your documents. They can tell you when ready whether you have what you need.

Do I need a green card to get a driver's license?

Not in most states. Many states issue licenses to people with temporary visas, work permits, or DACA status. Some require a green card specifically. Your state's DMV website lists which immigration statuses may have access to, or you can call to ask about your situation.

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

Getting a driver's license itself does not affect your immigration status. However, if you have a pending immigration case, an immigration attorney can advise whether there are any reasons specific to your situation to wait. Some people consult an attorney before explore just to be certain.

Can I use an out-of-state license if my state won't issue one to non-citizens?

You can get a license from another state if you can establish residency there, but using it as your primary license in your home state may create problems with car registration and insurance. Check with your home state's DMV about whether they recognize out-of-state licenses before you pursue this option.