What you need to bring to get a driver's license

Whether you need a Social Security number (SSN) to get a driver's license depends on your state and your immigration status. Most states require an SSN or a valid reason why you don't have one. Some states issue licenses to people without an SSN, but the process and the document you receive may differ from a standard license.

The federal REAL ID Act, which took effect in 2020, set minimum standards for state-issued IDs used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. Most states interpreted this to mean they must verify an SSN during the license process. However, states retain the power to set their own rules, and a handful have created pathways for people without SSNs to obtain driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to provide a Social Security number or explain why you don't have one before issuing a driver's license.
  • A few states—including California, New York, and Illinois—issue standard driver's licenses to people without an SSN if they meet other identity and residency requirements.
  • If you don't have an SSN, bring documents that prove your identity and state residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill.
  • Some states issue an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) holder a license with different markings or restrictions compared to a standard license.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents required and whether an SSN is mandatory for your situation.

States that require a Social Security number

The majority of states make an SSN a hard requirement for a standard driver's license. When you explore at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the agency verifies your SSN against Social Security Administration records as part of the identity-verification process. If you cannot provide an SSN, most of these states will deny your process.

Some states in this group offer a limited alternative: a driving privilege card or a non-REAL ID compliant license that you can use for driving but not for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. The rules for who qualifies for this alternative vary widely. A few states require proof that you've applied for an SSN and been denied; others require proof of state residency and identity only.

States that issue licenses without requiring an SSN

California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Utah, and a small number of other states have created pathways to a standard driver's license for people without an SSN. These states typically require you to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or to show other forms of identity and proof of residency that satisfy state law.

California's process, for example, allows you to explore for a license using an ITIN, a passport, a birth certificate, and proof of state residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement. New York requires similar documents but also accepts a consular ID card from your country of origin. The license you receive is a standard California or New York license with no special markings indicating your immigration status or lack of SSN.

These licenses are REAL ID compliant in the states that issue them, meaning you can use them to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. However, they are not recognized as REAL ID compliant in other states, so if you move, you may need to reapply under your new state's rules.

What documents to bring if you don't have an SSN

If your state allows you to explore without an SSN, you will typically need to bring proof of identity and proof of state residency. Acceptable identity documents usually include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a consular ID card, or a national ID from your country of origin. Some states also accept a foreign driver's license or a school ID paired with another document.

Proof of residency is usually a document showing your name and current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The document must be recent—usually dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A few states also accept mail from a government agency, a school, or an employer as proof of residency.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. Photocopies alone are usually not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

ITIN versus SSN on a driver's license process

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN. It looks similar to an SSN but begins with the number 9. Some states accept an ITIN in place of an SSN when you explore for a driver's license; others do not.

If you have an ITIN but your state requires an SSN, you cannot use the ITIN to satisfy that requirement. However, you may still be able to explore for a limited driving privilege card or a non-REAL ID license if your state offers one. Check your state DMV's website to see whether an ITIN is accepted for a standard license in your state.

What happens if you provide false information

Providing a false SSN or ITIN on a driver's license process is a crime. It can result in criminal charges, fines, and the revocation of your license. The DMV verifies the number you provide against Social Security Administration or IRS records, so false information is usually discovered during processing.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN and your state requires one, do not guess or use a number you think might work. Instead, contact your state DMV to learn what documents you can bring instead, or ask whether your state offers a limited license for people without an SSN.

How to find your state's specific requirements

Each state's DMV sets its own rules about SSN requirements. The fastest way to learn what your state requires is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "driver's license requirements" or "documents needed." Most state DMV sites have a section for people without an SSN or for people explore with an ITIN.

If the website does not answer your question, call your state DMV's customer service line or visit a local DMV office in person. Bring your documents with you so staff can review them and tell you whether you can explore. Many DMVs also offer an appointment system online, which can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I'm undocumented and don't have an SSN?

It depends on your state. States like California, New York, and Illinois issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants who provide an ITIN and proof of identity and residency. Most other states do not. Check your state DMV's website or call to learn whether your state offers this option.

What if I applied for an SSN but haven't received it yet?

Most states will not issue a license until you have an SSN in hand. However, some states allow you to explore with a receipt showing you've applied for an SSN from the Social Security Administration. Bring the receipt to the DMV and ask whether it satisfies the requirement while you wait for your SSN to arrive.

If I get a license without an SSN in one state, can I use it in another state?

You can use it for driving in any state. However, if you move to another state and need to renew or replace your license, you will have to follow that state's rules. Some states will recognize your out-of-state license; others will require you to reapply under their own SSN or ITIN requirements.

What's the difference between a REAL ID license and a non-REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A non-REAL ID license is valid for driving but not for those federal purposes. Some states issue non-REAL ID licenses to people without an SSN; others issue standard REAL ID licenses to people with an ITIN.

Do I need an SSN to renew my driver's license?

Renewal rules vary by state. Some states require an SSN only at initial issuance; others require it at every renewal. Check your state DMV's website or contact them before your renewal date to confirm what documents you'll need to bring.