What driver's licenses are available to undocumented immigrants

Whether you can get a driver's license as an undocumented immigrant depends entirely on which state you live in. Some states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants with no restrictions. Others issue licenses marked "not for federal purposes" — meaning you can drive legally in that state but cannot use it to board a plane or enter a federal building. Still others do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants at all. There is no federal rule; each state makes its own decision.

The states that do issue licenses to undocumented immigrants require the same documents as any other driver: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you have passed a written and driving test. The difference is in which documents they accept as proof of identity. Most states that allow undocumented immigrants to get licenses accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, and they accept foreign passports or consular ID cards instead of a U.S. birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen states plus Washington, D.C. issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants with no restrictions on use.
  • Several other states issue licenses marked "not for federal purposes," which let you drive legally in-state but not board planes or enter federal buildings.
  • You will need to show proof of identity (such as a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and pass both a written and driving test.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted in place of a Social Security number in states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants.

States that issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington all issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants with no federal restrictions. Washington, D.C. does as well. In these places, your license works the same way as anyone else's — you can use it to drive, to board domestic flights, and to enter federal buildings.

The process in each state is similar: you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), bring your documents, pass the written test and driving test, and receive your license. The specific documents accepted and the fees charged vary by state. For example, California accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card, or a matricula consular (a card issued by your country's consulate). New York accepts a foreign passport or a consular ID. Some states charge the same fee as they do for citizens; others charge a higher fee.

If you live in one of these states, you can find the exact list of accepted documents and the current fee on your state's DMV website. Most state DMV sites have a section for undocumented immigrants or non-citizens, or you can call the DMV directly and ask what documents you need to bring.

States that issue licenses marked "not for federal purposes"

Some states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants but mark them "not for federal purposes" or "not valid for federal identification." These licenses let you drive legally within that state and use them for everyday purposes like opening a bank account or renting an apartment. However, you cannot use them to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings.

States in this category include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The rules and accepted documents vary significantly from state to state, so you will need to check your specific state's DMV website or call to learn what you need to bring.

States that do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants

A small number of states do not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants under any circumstances. These states are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, and South Carolina. In these places, you cannot get a standard driver's license if you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States.

If you live in one of these states and need to drive, you may have other options. Some states allow undocumented immigrants to get an ID card (not a license) for identification purposes only. Others allow you to get a learner's permit. The rules vary, so contact your state's DMV to ask what documents you can use and what forms of identification are available to you.

Documents you will need to bring

The documents required vary by state, but most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants ask for three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you have passed the written and driving tests.

For proof of identity, states typically accept a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a matricula consular), or a national ID card from your country of origin. Some states also accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate from your country plus a school record or medical record. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list.

For proof of residency, most states accept a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued mail addressed to you. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you do not have any of these, some states allow you to bring two documents together — for example, a school enrollment letter plus a letter from an employer.

You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test. Both are offered in multiple languages in most states. If you have a learner's permit from another country, some states may waive or shorten the written test, but you will still need to pass the driving test.

How to find out what your state offers

The fastest way to learn what your state offers is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "undocumented," "non-citizen," or "ITIN." Most states have a dedicated page explaining which documents they accept and what the process is.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV directly. Have your state name ready, and ask: "Does your state issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants? If so, what documents do I need to bring?" The DMV staff can tell you in one call whether your state issues licenses, what documents are accepted, what the fee is, and how long the process takes.

You can also contact your local consulate or a community organization that serves immigrants in your area. Many consulates have staff who know the driver's license rules in the state where they operate, and many immigrant-serving nonprofits help people gather documents and prepare for the DMV appointment.

What happens after you get your license

Once you have a driver's license, you can use it to drive legally in your state. If your state issues a standard license with no federal restrictions, you can also use it for federal purposes. If your state issues a license marked "not for federal purposes," you can use it for driving and everyday identification, but not for boarding planes or entering federal buildings.

Your license will expire after a set number of years — usually four to eight years depending on your state. When it expires, you will need to renew it by going back to the DMV. The renewal process is usually simpler than the original process and does not require you to take the driving test again.

If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new license in that state. The rules and documents accepted are different in each state, so you cannot straightforward transfer your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

This depends on your state and your specific situation. Some states do not ask about immigration status at all when you explore for a license. Others ask whether you are in the country lawfully. If you have a deportation order, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore, because the DMV may be required to report certain information to immigration authorities. An attorney can tell you what the risks are in your state.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a license?

No. States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You can get an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you do not have a Social Security number. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can get one before you explore for your license.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. Most states let you retake the driving test after a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks. You may have to pay a fee each time you retake the test. Some states offer free practice tests or driving lessons through community organizations, which can help you prepare.

Can I use my license to travel outside the United States?

A state driver's license is not a travel document. To travel outside the United States, you need a passport from your country of origin. A driver's license cannot replace a passport for international travel, even if it is marked as valid for federal purposes.

What if my state does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants?

You have a few options. You can check whether your state issues an ID card for identification purposes only — this is not a license, but it can be used for some everyday purposes. You can also look into whether your state issues a learner's permit, which some states allow without proof of lawful presence. If neither option is available, you may need to consider whether you can move to a state that does issue licenses, or you can speak with an immigration attorney about your options.