California issues driver licenses to people without a Social Security number, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport instead

You do not need a Social Security number to get a California driver license. The state accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number — or a valid passport from any country as proof of identity and legal presence. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes these applications the same way it processes applications from people with Social Security numbers, though the documents you bring and the fee structure differ slightly.

California began issuing licenses to ITIN holders in 2015 under Assembly Bill 60. The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver license and works for driving, but it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Many people use it for everyday purposes: renting a car, opening a bank account, or proving age at a store.

Key Takeaways

  • You can use an ITIN or a valid passport to prove identity instead of a Social Security number when you explore for a California driver license.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular ID, plus proof of California residence such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The DMV charges the same fee for an ITIN-based license as for a standard license, currently around $39 for a five-year license.
  • An ITIN-based California license is valid for driving and most everyday purposes but cannot be used as federal identification for flights or federal buildings.
  • You can explore in person at any DMV office; no online or mail-in option exists for first-time driver license applications.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of legal presence, and proof of California residence. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, or a national ID card from your home country. The document must not be expired.

For proof of legal presence, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS (the document the IRS sends when it issues your ITIN), your passport, or your consular ID. If you are using an ITIN, the IRS letter is the clearest proof; bring the original or a certified copy. For proof of California residence, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and California address. A cell phone bill does not count.

You will also need to fill out the process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) before you arrive, though you can also fill it out at the DMV office. Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one, though it is not required.

How the ITIN process process works at the DMV

Walk into any California DMV office with your documents. Tell the staff member you are explore for a driver license using an ITIN. They will check your documents, take your photograph, and have you sign the process. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs (unless you already hold a valid driver license from another state), and a driving test if you are a first-time driver.

The DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper the same day if you pass the tests. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card. If you fail either test, you can retake it at a later appointment; the DMV will tell you when you can return.

Processing time at the DMV office itself is usually one to two hours, depending on how busy the office is. You cannot make an appointment for a first-time driver license process in California; you must arrive and take a number. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon tends to mean shorter waits than midday or weekends.

Differences between an ITIN-based license and a standard license

An ITIN-based California driver license is valid for driving, renting a car, and proving your age or identity in most everyday situations. You can use it to open a bank account, get a job, or rent an apartment. However, it cannot be used as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities.

The license itself has no visible marking that distinguishes it from a standard license; the difference is only in the DMV's records. The fee is the same: currently around $39 for a five-year license or $64 for a ten-year license. Renewal works the same way — you can renew online or by mail if you have not had any changes to your address or name.

If you later obtain a Social Security number, you can update your license at the DMV by bringing your Social Security card and filling out a form. The DMV will reissue your license with your Social Security number instead of your ITIN, at no additional cost if you are within one year of your renewal date.

Proof of California residence and what counts

The DMV requires proof that you live in California and will accept documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your California address. Some people use a letter from their employer or a school enrollment letter if they do not have a utility bill.

The document must show your full name and your current California address. If you recently moved, bring a document from your new address. If you are living with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, ask the homeowner or leaseholder for a notarized letter stating that you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease. The DMV will accept this combination in place of a bill in your own name.

Renewing or replacing your ITIN-based license

You can renew your ITIN-based California driver license online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired by more than five years, you have not had any changes to your name or address, and you have not had any medical or vision changes that would affect your driving. If you meet these conditions, you can renew online and pay the fee with a credit card; the new card arrives by mail.

If your license is expired by more than five years, or if you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if applicable), and your ITIN letter if you are renewing for the first time with an ITIN. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office by bringing your ITIN letter and proof of residence; the replacement fee is around $20.

What to do if the DMV denies your process

The DMV may deny your process if your documents do not meet their requirements — for example, if your birth certificate is not certified, if your ITIN letter is expired, or if your proof of residence is older than 60 days. If this happens, the DMV will tell you in writing what documents are missing or incorrect and give you a important date to resubmit them, usually 30 days.

You can bring corrected documents back to the DMV office and ask to reopen your process. If you disagree with the denial, you can request a hearing with the DMV. Contact your local DMV office or visit the DMV website to find out how to request a hearing in your area. The hearing process usually takes several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ITIN letter if it is more than a few years old?

Yes. The DMV accepts ITIN letters regardless of how old they are, as long as the letter is an original or certified copy and shows your ITIN number and your name. The IRS does not issue new ITIN letters unless you request one, so an old letter is normal and acceptable.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, a national ID card from your home country, or a passport card instead of a full passport. If you do not have any of these, contact your country's consulate in California to find out how to get a consular ID or certified copy of your birth certificate. The DMV cannot issue a license without one of these documents.

Can I use my ITIN-based license to fly domestically within the United States?

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept ITIN-based California driver licenses as federal identification for domestic flights. You can use a valid passport from any country instead. Some people also use a passport card, which is smaller and easier to carry than a full passport.

How long does it take to get my permanent license card in the mail?

The DMV typically mails your permanent card within two to three weeks of your visit. You can drive using your temporary paper license during this time. If you do not receive your card after four weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied and provide your process number.

Do I need to take the written test and driving test if I already have a valid driver license from another state?

No. If you hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state or territory, you do not need to take either test. Bring your current license to the DMV, and they will waive the tests. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take both tests.