Non-citizens can get driver's licenses in most U.S. states, but the rules vary widely by state and by immigration status
Whether you can get a driver's license as a non-citizen depends entirely on which state you live in and what immigration documents you hold. Some states issue licenses to anyone with a valid visa or work permit. Others issue them to undocumented immigrants. A few states restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents only. There is no federal rule — each state sets its own policy, and those policies have changed significantly over the past decade.
The document you need and the process you follow will depend on your state and your immigration status. This guide explains how different states approach the question, what documents typically matter, and where to find your state's specific rules.
Key Takeaways
- More than 20 states now issue driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid visas, work permits, or temporary protected status, regardless of how they entered the country.
- Some states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants if they can prove state residency through utility bills, rental agreements, or tax records, even without federal immigration documents.
- A handful of states restrict licenses to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and will deny your process if you cannot prove citizenship or green card status.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets the rules, and their website lists exactly which documents they accept for non-citizens.
- Processing times and fees vary by state, but most states charge the same fee for non-citizens as for citizens.
States that issue licenses to non-citizens with work permits or visas
States including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. issue driver's licenses to non-citizens who hold a valid visa, work permit, or temporary protected status. The specific documents accepted vary — some states accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), others accept an I-94 arrival/departure record, and some accept a visa stamp in your passport.
In these states, you typically need to bring your passport, visa or work permit, proof of state residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some states require you to pass a written test and a driving test; others waive the written test if you hold a valid license from another country. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.
The specific list of accepted documents changes as states update their policies. Your state's DMV website will show the current list for non-citizens. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the DMV directly or visit in person — staff can tell you whether your visa, permit, or status meets the requirement.
States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington also issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. These states do not require federal immigration documents. Instead, they require proof that you live in the state.
Acceptable residency documents typically include a utility bill in your name, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a tax return, a school enrollment record, or a government-issued ID from another country. You will also need to provide your name, date of birth, and address. Some states require an ITIN; others do not. A few states require you to sign a statement confirming you are not a U.S. citizen.
Processing times are usually one to three weeks. Fees are the same as for citizens in most states. You will typically take a written test and a driving test, though some states waive the written test if you hold a valid license from another country. Once you have the license, it works like any other — you can use it to drive, to board a domestic flight, and to enter federal buildings, though it cannot be used for international travel.
States that restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents
A small number of states — including Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee — restrict driver's licenses to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). In these states, you must provide proof of citizenship or a green card to get a license. If you hold only a visa or work permit, you cannot get a standard driver's license.
Some of these states offer an alternative: an ID card that is not a driver's license but can be used for identification purposes. The rules for these cards vary. Arizona, for example, issues a non-driver ID to non-citizens with a valid visa or work permit. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an alternative ID is available to you.
What documents you will need
| Document Type | What It Proves | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Identity and citizenship of another country | Your country's embassy or consulate |
| Visa or visa stamp | Permission to be in the U.S. for a specific purpose | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or your port of entry |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Permission to work in the U.S. | USCIS |
| I-94 arrival/departure record | Your legal entry and status in the U.S. | USCIS or your port of entry |
| Utility bill or lease | State residency | Your utility company or landlord |
| Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | Tax identification for non-citizens | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Bank statement | State residency and identity | Your bank |
How to find your state's specific rules
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — some states call it the Department of Public Safety or the Secretary of State's office) publishes the exact rules for non-citizens on its website. Search for "[Your State] DMV non-citizen driver's license" or "[Your State] DMV undocumented immigrant license."
The DMV website will list the documents you need, the fees, the tests you must pass, and the processing time. If the website does not answer your question, call the DMV directly. Many states have a phone line for non-citizens or a general customer service line that can tell you whether your immigration status qualifies and what documents to bring.
Some states also have community organizations that help non-citizens understand the process and gather documents. Search for "[Your State] immigrant rights organization" or "[Your City] legal aid" to find local help. These organizations often know the DMV's current rules and can walk you through the steps.
What happens after you get your license
A driver's license issued to a non-citizen works the same way as one issued to a citizen for most purposes. You can use it to drive, to board a domestic flight within the U.S., and to enter federal buildings. You can renew it the same way citizens do, usually by mail or online.
However, a driver's license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you a permanent resident, a citizen, or a visa holder. If your visa or work permit expires, your license remains valid for driving, but you cannot use it to prove your immigration status to federal authorities. If you are undocumented, the license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, though it does give you a legal form of ID to carry.
If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new license in that state. The rules may be different, so check the new state's DMV website before you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I am on a student visa?
It depends on your state. States that issue licenses to visa holders typically accept student visas (F-1 visas). You will need your passport, visa, proof of state residency, and usually proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Check your state's DMV website to confirm that student visas are accepted.
What if my visa or work permit is about to expire?
Most states will issue you a license if your visa or permit is currently valid, even if it expires soon. The license is usually valid for several years after your visa expires. However, check your state's specific rules — a few states require your visa to be valid for a minimum length of time.
Can I use a driver's license issued to a non-citizen to travel internationally?
No. A driver's license issued to a non-citizen cannot be used for international travel. You will need a valid passport and visa to leave and re-enter the U.S. The license is for driving and domestic identification only.
What if I do not have a Social Security number or ITIN?
Some states require an ITIN or Social Security number; others do not. If your state requires one and you do not have it, you can explore for an ITIN through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The process takes several weeks. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an ITIN is required before you explore for a license.
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
A driver's license itself does not affect your immigration status or your case. However, the documents you use to get the license — such as proof of residency or an ITIN — may be part of your immigration file if you are in removal proceedings or explore for a visa. If you are concerned about how a license might affect your case, speak with an immigration attorney before you explore.