A regional driver's license is a form of identification issued by a state or province that is valid only within that region, not nationwide

A regional driver's license is a restricted form of driver identification that some U.S. states issue to people who do not meet the requirements for a standard, full-privilege driver's license. The most common type is issued to people without proof of lawful presence in the United States. A regional license allows you to drive legally within your state or, in some cases, within a specific region of your state, but it does not meet federal identification standards and is not accepted for air travel, federal building access, or other purposes that require a REAL ID-compliant document.

The rules, names, and availability of regional licenses vary significantly by state. Some states call them "driving privilege cards," others use "occupational licenses," and a few offer licenses specifically for undocumented immigrants. Not all states offer them at all. If you are considering one, you need to know what your specific state offers, what documents you will need to bring, and what you can and cannot do with it once you have it.

Key Takeaways

  • Regional driver's licenses are issued by individual states and are valid only for driving within that state or region, not for federal purposes like air travel or federal building entry.
  • The most common reason a state issues a regional license is when an applicant cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States.
  • Each state that offers a regional license has different names for it, different document requirements, and different rules about where it is valid.
  • A regional license does not meet REAL ID standards and will not be accepted for federal identification purposes, even if you later become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • You will need to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or contact them directly to learn whether your state offers a regional license and what the current requirements are.

Which States Offer Regional Driver's Licenses

As of now, approximately 20 states offer some form of regional or restricted driver's license. California, Illinois, New York, and Washington are among the states with the longest-running programs. Other states have added them more recently, and some have discontinued them. The availability and rules change, so the first step is to confirm whether your state offers one.

States that do offer regional licenses often have different names for them. California calls it an AB 60 license. New York uses the term "driver's license" but issues it without proof of lawful presence. Illinois calls it a Temporary Visitor Driver's License. Washington calls it a Standard License. The name does not matter as much as understanding what your state's version allows and requires.

To find out whether your state offers a regional license, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for terms like "driving privilege card," "occupational license," "AB 60," or "license without proof of presence." You can also call your local DMV office and ask directly whether they issue licenses to people without proof of lawful presence.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

The documents required for a regional license differ from state to state, but most states require proof of identity and proof of state residency. You do not need to provide proof of lawful presence — that is the whole point of a regional license — but you do need to prove who you are and where you live.

Common documents for identity include a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a state ID card from another state. For proof of residency, states typically accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. Some states accept an affidavit of residency if you cannot provide a document with your address on it.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Some states require documents to be translated into English by a certified translator if they are in another language. Before you go to the DMV, call ahead or check the website to confirm exactly which documents your state accepts, because requirements vary and change.

What You Can and Cannot Do With a Regional License

A regional driver's license allows you to drive legally within your state and to carry it as proof that you are licensed to drive. You can use it to rent a car from most rental companies, though some may decline. You can use it to purchase vehicle insurance. You can use it to register a vehicle.

You cannot use a regional license for federal purposes. You cannot board a commercial airplane, even for a domestic flight. You cannot enter a federal building, a military base, or a nuclear power plant. You cannot use it to cross an international border. You cannot use it to open a bank account at most banks, though some credit unions and community banks may accept it. You cannot use it to prove your identity for government benefits or services that require REAL ID compliance.

If you later become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and obtain a standard driver's license, you will need to explore for a new license. A regional license does not convert to a standard license — you must explore for the standard version separately and meet all its requirements.

How Regional Licenses Differ From Standard Licenses

The main difference is scope. A standard driver's license is issued by your state and is recognized nationwide and for federal purposes. A regional license is issued by your state but is valid only within that state (or sometimes only within a specific region of the state) and is not recognized for federal purposes.

The process process is similar — you go to the DMV, bring documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The fee for a regional license is usually the same as or slightly lower than the fee for a standard license. The license itself looks similar to a standard license but may have different text or markings to indicate that it is regional.

The renewal process is also similar. You renew a regional license at the DMV, usually every four to eight years depending on your state, and you may be able to renew by mail or online if your state offers that option.

Fees and Renewal Timelines

The cost of a regional driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for an initial license, with the exact amount depending on how long the license is valid. Some states offer a lower fee for regional licenses than for standard licenses. A few states charge the same fee for both.

Regional licenses are typically valid for four to eight years, depending on the state. When your license is about to expire, your state will send you a renewal notice in the mail. You can usually renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. The renewal fee is typically the same as the initial fee or slightly lower.

If you move to a different state, your regional license from your previous state is no longer valid. You will need to explore for a license in your new state. If your new state offers a regional license and you still do not have proof of lawful presence, you can explore for one there. If your new state does not offer a regional license, you will need to explore other options for identification and driving.

What Happens if You Drive Out of State With a Regional License

If you drive out of state with a regional license, you are driving without a valid license in that state. Most states do not recognize regional licenses issued by other states. You could be stopped by police, cited for driving without a license, and face fines or other penalties.

The only exception is if you are driving through another state briefly to reach a destination within your home state. Even then, if you are stopped, you may face questions about your license. The safest approach is to avoid driving out of state with a regional license.

If you need to travel to another state regularly, you may want to explore whether that state offers its own regional license or whether there are other options available to you. Some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states, but these are rare and usually explore only to standard licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regional driver's license to fly on an airplane?

No. A regional driver's license does not meet REAL ID standards and is not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for air travel. You will need a passport, a passport card, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or another federally approved form of identification to board a commercial flight.

Will getting a regional license affect my immigration status?

No. explore for a regional driver's license is a state matter and does not trigger any federal immigration consequences. However, you should not provide false information on your process, and you should understand that the DMV may share information with other agencies in some cases. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consider speaking with an immigration attorney before explore.

What if my state does not offer a regional driver's license?

If your state does not offer a regional license, you have other options for identification and driving. Some states issue ID cards (not driver's licenses) to people without proof of lawful presence. Others do not offer any state-issued ID to people in your situation. You may be able to use a foreign passport, a consular ID card, or an international driving permit in limited situations. Contact your state's DMV to learn what is available.

Can I renew a regional license online or by mail?

Many states allow online or mail renewal for regional licenses, but not all do. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out whether renewal by mail or online is available. Some states require you to renew in person every few years for security reasons.

What if I become a U.S. citizen while I have a regional license?

Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can explore for a standard driver's license. Your regional license will no longer be necessary, though you can keep it until it expires. You will need to explore for a standard license separately, bring proof of citizenship (such as a naturalization certificate), and meet all other requirements for a standard license in your state.