Which States Accept ITINs for Driver's Licenses and ID Cards

States That Accept ITINs for Driver's Licenses

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia currently accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) as proof of tax identification when you request a driver's license or state ID card. These states are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Each state has its own process for how you present the ITIN and what additional documents you must bring, so the steps differ even though the outcome — getting a license with an ITIN — is the same across all of them.

The ITIN itself is not a form of identification. It is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. When a state accepts an ITIN for a driver's license, it means the state's motor vehicle department will use that number in place of a Social Security number on your license record and in their system. This does not change how the license works or what it can be used for — it is still a valid state ID for driving, boarding domestic flights, and entering federal buildings.

Key Takeaways

Fifteen states plus Washington, D.C. accept ITINs for driver's licenses: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
You will need to bring your ITIN documentation (usually IRS Form 9), proof of state residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number ineligibility to the motor vehicle department.
States that do not accept ITINs for licenses may still issue ID cards for other purposes, so check your state's specific policy before making a trip to the DMV.
The ITIN appears on your license record but does not change how the license functions for driving, flying, or federal building access.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The exact documents vary by state, but most ITIN-accepting states require the same core set. You will need your ITIN documentation — typically IRS Form 9 (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Assignment Notice) or a recent tax return showing your ITIN. You will also need proof of state residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name with a current address. Bring a document that proves your identity, such as a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate.

Most states also ask you to bring proof that you are ineligible for a Social Security number. This is usually a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not may have access to, or a document from your country's consulate. Some states accept a signed statement under penalty of perjury instead. Call your state's motor vehicle department before you go to confirm which documents they accept, because some states have updated their rules and others have specific forms they want you to complete ahead of time.

How the Process Works at the Motor Vehicle Department

When you arrive at the motor vehicle department, tell the clerk that you are requesting a license or ID with an ITIN. Hand over your documents in the order the clerk asks for them. The clerk will verify your identity and residency, check your ITIN against IRS records (some states do this on the spot; others mail a verification request to the IRS), and enter your ITIN into the state's system instead of a Social Security number.

Processing time varies. Some states issue your license the same day if everything checks out. Others mail it to you within one to three weeks. A few states that verify your ITIN with the IRS may take longer — up to six weeks in some cases — because they are waiting for the IRS to confirm the number is valid and belongs to you. Ask the clerk for an estimated timeline before you leave.

States That Do Not Accept ITINs for Licenses

The remaining thirty-five states do not accept ITINs for driver's licenses. However, some of these states offer alternatives. A handful of states issue ID cards (not driver's licenses) to people with ITINs for identification purposes only — these cards cannot be used for driving but can be used for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Other states issue licenses only to people with Social Security numbers or valid visa status, which excludes ITIN holders.

If you live in a state that does not accept ITINs and you need to drive, you have limited options. Some people travel to a neighboring state that accepts ITINs to obtain a license there, though this is only legal if you can establish residency in that state (usually by renting an apartment or getting a utility bill). Others work with immigration attorneys to explore whether they may have access to for a visa or other status that would make them may be able to access for a license in their home state. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or call their main line to ask whether they offer any form of ID to ITIN holders.

Why States Have Different Rules

States set their own driver's license rules within federal guidelines. The Real ID Act of 2005 requires states to verify identity and residency before issuing a license, but it does not specify what form of tax identification states must accept. This means each state legislature decides whether to accept ITINs, and that decision often reflects the state's immigration policy and the size of its ITIN-holding population.

States that accept ITINs typically did so after advocacy from immigrant rights organizations and business groups that argued the policy improves road safety by bringing unlicensed drivers into the licensing system. States that do not accept ITINs often cite concerns about federal compliance or argue that Social Security numbers are the only reliable way to verify identity. These are policy choices, not technical requirements — a state could change its rule at any time if the legislature votes to do so.

How an ITIN License Affects Insurance and Driving Records

An ITIN-based license works the same way as a Social Security-based license for insurance and driving records. When you buy car insurance, you give the insurer your license number, and they can look up your driving record through the state's system. Your ITIN appears in that record instead of a Social Security number, but insurers are accustomed to this and it does not affect your rates or coverage. Traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions are all recorded the same way.

One practical difference: if you ever need to renew your license in a different state, that new state will see your ITIN in the old state's records. If the new state does not accept ITINs, you may not be able to transfer your license and may have to explore for a state ID instead. Plan ahead if you think you might move to a state that does not accept ITINs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ITIN license to fly domestically or enter federal buildings?

Yes. An ITIN-based driver's license is a valid form of identification for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings like courthouses and Social Security offices. The Transportation Security Administration and federal building security do not distinguish between licenses issued with Social Security numbers and those issued with ITINs.

What if I move from a state that accepts ITINs to one that does not?

You will need to contact your new state's motor vehicle department to ask whether they can issue you a state ID card with your ITIN, or whether you will need to surrender your old license. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state ITIN license for a period of time before requiring you to get a new form of ID.

Do I need to renew my ITIN before I explore for a license?

No. Your ITIN does not expire and does not need to be renewed. However, if you have not filed taxes in three years, the IRS may suspend your ITIN, so check your tax filing history before you go to the motor vehicle department. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm your ITIN is active.

Can I get an ITIN license if I am on a visa?

It depends on the state and the type of visa. Some states that accept ITINs will issue a license to someone on a visa if they also have an ITIN. Others require you to choose: either use your visa status to get a license, or use your ITIN. Call your state's motor vehicle department with your visa type to find out which rule applies.

How long does it take to get a license with an ITIN?

Same-day issuance is possible in some states if all your documents are in order and the clerk can verify your ITIN on the spot. Other states mail licenses within one to three weeks. A few states verify your ITIN with the IRS first, which can add two to six weeks. Ask the clerk for a timeline when you submit your process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.