Massachusetts allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through its standard licensing process
Massachusetts does not require proof of legal immigration status to get a driver's license. You can obtain a standard Massachusetts driver's license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, along with other documents that prove your identity and residency. The license you receive is identical to any other Massachusetts license — it does not indicate immigration status and is valid for driving throughout the state.
The process takes place at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which is the state agency that issues licenses. You will need to gather specific documents before you go, pass a written test and a road test, and pay the standard licensing fees. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule your road test appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts accepts an ITIN as proof of tax identification instead of a Social Security number when you explore for a driver's license.
- You must provide documents proving your identity (such as a passport), proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your ITIN documentation.
- You will take a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel road test at an RMV location, just like any other applicant.
- The standard license is valid for five years and costs the same as any other Massachusetts license.
What documents you need to bring to the RMV
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Massachusetts residency, and proof of your ITIN. For identity, the RMV accepts a valid passport from any country. If you do not have a passport, you can use a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular) or a national ID card from your country of origin, as long as it includes a photograph and expiration date.
For proof of residency in Massachusetts, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Massachusetts address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, along with the bill itself.
For your ITIN, bring your ITIN documentation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is typically your IRS letter that was sent when you received your ITIN, or your most recent tax return showing your ITIN. If you do not yet have an ITIN, you must obtain one before you can get a driver's license — the RMV cannot issue a license without it.
How to get an ITIN if you do not have one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to obtain one. You request an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income during that year. You can file using Form 1040 (the standard individual income tax return) along with Form W-7 (the ITIN process).
You can file your tax return yourself, or you can get help from a tax preparer or community organization. Many nonprofits in Massachusetts offer free tax preparation services to people with low incomes, and some specifically help undocumented immigrants obtain ITINs. The IRS processes ITIN applications within two to four weeks after you file your return, though it can take longer during tax season (January through April).
Once you receive your ITIN letter from the IRS, you can use it to explore for your driver's license. You do not need to have filed taxes every year — one ITIN letter is sufficient.
The steps to explore for your license at the RMV
First, visit the Massachusetts RMV website and schedule an appointment at an RMV branch near you. You can book online or call the RMV appointment line. Bring all your documents (identity, residency proof, and ITIN documentation) to your appointment. The RMV staff will review your documents and take a photograph for your license.
Next, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer at the RMV. The test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is available free on the RMV website in English and Spanish. You must score at least 18 out of 25 questions to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test at your next appointment.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. Road test appointments often have a wait of several weeks, depending on how busy your local RMV is. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You must demonstrate basic driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws. If you pass, you receive your license that same day.
What the license costs and how long it lasts
A five-year Massachusetts driver's license costs $50. If you are under 18, the license costs less and expires sooner. You pay this fee when you pass your road test and receive your license. The RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the RMV. Renewal is simpler than the initial process — you do not retake the written or road tests unless the RMV asks you to.
What happens if you are stopped by police while driving
A Massachusetts driver's license is a valid form of identification for driving purposes. If you are stopped by police, show your license along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration, just as any other driver would. Your license does not indicate your immigration status, and the officer will have no way to know it from the license alone.
Massachusetts has a separate law that limits police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Police cannot stop you solely to check your immigration status, and local police departments are not required to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless there is a criminal warrant. However, if you are arrested for a crime, your immigration status may come up during the criminal process. Having a valid driver's license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it does protect you from traffic violations related to driving without a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ITIN to get a license if I have never filed taxes?
No. You must have received an ITIN from the IRS, which means you must have filed at least one tax return. If you have never filed, you will need to file a return first to obtain your ITIN. Many community organizations offer free tax preparation help specifically for this purpose.
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case or status?
A driver's license is a state document issued for driving purposes only. It does not change your immigration status or create a record that affects immigration proceedings. However, the information you provide to the RMV is stored in a state database, and immigration authorities can sometimes access state records through legal process. If you have concerns about a specific immigration situation, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.
What if I do not have a passport or national ID card?
The RMV requires a government-issued photo ID for identity verification. If you do not have a passport or national ID, contact your country's consulate in Boston to learn how to obtain a consular identification card. Many countries issue these specifically for citizens living abroad who do not have a current passport.
Can I use a learner's permit instead of a full license?
Yes. If you want to drive with a licensed adult in the car before taking your road test, you can obtain a learner's permit using the same documents and process. You take the written test and receive a permit that is valid for six months. This allows you to practice driving before your road test appointment.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake the road test as many times as needed. You must schedule another appointment, which may take several weeks depending on RMV availability. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Many people find it helpful to take additional driving lessons between attempts.