What Non-Citizens Can Do to Get a Driver's License
Non-citizens can obtain a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the documents you need and the process itself depend on your immigration status and which state you live in. Some states issue licenses to anyone with a valid visa or work permit; others issue them to undocumented immigrants; and a few restrict licenses to citizens and permanent residents only. The first step is to find out what your state actually allows, because the rules differ sharply.
The real barrier is usually not your citizenship status but rather proving your identity and residency. States require documents like a passport, visa, employment authorization card, or state ID card to prove who you are, and a utility bill, lease, or bank statement to prove where you live. If you have these, you are often halfway there.
Key Takeaways
- Twenty-one states and Washington D.C. issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants; most other states issue them to people with valid work permits or visas.
- You will need to prove your identity with a passport, visa, work permit, or state ID, and prove your residency with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- The process process is the same as for citizens — you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, fill out the form, pass the written test, and pass the driving test.
- Some states charge the same fee for non-citizens; others charge more or require additional documents like an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Which States Issue Licenses to Non-Citizens
States fall into three categories. The first group — including California, New York, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. — issues licenses to undocumented immigrants. These states do not ask about citizenship status at all; they care only that you can prove your identity and residency.
The second group issues licenses to people with valid immigration status: a visa, work permit, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. This includes Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and many others. If you have a visa or work permit, check your state's DMV website to see whether it is on the accepted list.
The third group — a small number of states — restricts licenses to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. These rules change, so before you make a trip to the DMV, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call their main line to confirm what documents they will accept from you.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring your passport, visa, work permit, employment authorization card, or state ID card. Some states accept consular identification cards issued by your country's embassy or consulate. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to fill out your state's driver's license process form. Most states have this online; read it, fill it out, and bring the completed form with you. Some states require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. You can obtain an ITIN from the IRS by filing a tax return or by submitting Form W-7 directly to the IRS.
Bring your current driver's license from another state or country if you have one. Bring proof of your Social Security number if you have one — a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation instead.
The process and Testing Process
The process is the same whether you are a citizen or non-citizen. You go to your local DMV office, submit your documents, and pay the fee. The fee varies by state; some charge the same amount for everyone, while others charge more for non-citizens or charge different amounts based on the type of visa or permit you hold.
Next, you take the written test. This covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free online. Most states let you take the test in multiple languages; check your DMV website to see which ones are available.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. You bring your own vehicle (or a friend's), and the examiner watches you drive for 10 to 15 minutes. They are checking that you can handle basic maneuvers, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. Once you pass, you receive your license.
Timeline and Fees
The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from your first visit to the DMV to receiving your license in the mail. Written test results come back the same day or within a few days. Road test appointments may have a wait, depending on how busy your local DMV is.
Fees range from $30 to $200 for a standard driver's license, depending on your state and how long the license is valid (usually four to eight years). Some states charge extra for non-citizens or for people using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. A few states charge the same fee regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount.
What Happens If Your State Does Not Issue Licenses to Your Status
If your state restricts licenses to citizens and permanent residents, you have a few options. The first is to check whether your state issues state ID cards to non-citizens. These are not driver's licenses, but they serve as valid identification for many purposes — boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account. The requirements and fees are usually similar to a driver's license.
The second option is to look into whether a neighboring state issues licenses to your immigration status. Some people cross state lines to obtain a license, though you should verify that your home state will recognize it. The third option is to explore whether your employer or a local immigrant services organization offers transportation or can help you understand your state's specific rules.
Renewing Your License as a Non-Citizen
Renewal works the same way as the initial process. You will need to bring updated proof of identity and residency, and you may need to retake the written test (rules vary by state). If your visa or work permit expires before your license does, your license may expire at the same time. Check your state's rules on this, because some states tie license expiration to immigration document expiration and others do not.
Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license is not expiring due to an immigration status change. If your status is changing — for example, your work permit is about to expire — contact your DMV before your license renewal date to find out whether you need to come in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
No. A driver's license is a state document, not a federal immigration document. Getting one does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities use to find you. However, if you are undocumented and concerned about your safety, speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as they can advise you based on your specific situation.
Can I use a consular ID card instead of a passport?
Many states accept consular identification cards issued by your country's embassy or consulate. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether your specific card is on the accepted list. Some states accept them; others do not.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS or by submitting Form W-7. Bring your ITIN documentation to the DMV along with your other documents.
Do I need to pass the written test in English?
Most states offer the written test in multiple languages. Check your state's DMV website to see which languages are available in your area. You may need to request a specific language when you schedule your appointment.
What if my address changes after I get my license?
You can usually update your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. The process is the same for non-citizens as for citizens. Check your state's DMV website for the specific steps and any fees involved.