States that issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants

Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia currently issue driver's licenses or driving permits to people without legal immigration status. These states are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Each state sets its own rules about what documents you need, how long the license lasts, and whether it can be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane.

The specific name and rules for these licenses vary by state. Some call it a "driver's license," others call it a "driving permit" or "privilege card." Some states require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others accept a combination of documents like a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID from your home country. The process, cost, and renewal timeline differ in each state.

Key Takeaways

  • Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. issue driver's licenses or permits to undocumented immigrants, though each state has different document requirements and restrictions.
  • Most states that allow this require proof of identity (such as a passport or consular ID), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid ITIN or other tax identification number.
  • Licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in most states cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings, even though they are valid for driving.
  • The cost, validity period, and renewal process vary by state—some licenses last five years, others three years, and fees range from under $20 to over $100.

What documents you typically need

Most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants require three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and a tax identification number. Proof of identity usually means a valid passport, consular ID card from your home country, or birth certificate. Some states accept a combination of documents rather than a single one.

Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A tax identification number is almost always required—this is usually an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which you can get from the IRS even without legal immigration status. A few states accept other forms of tax ID or allow you to explore for one at the DMV during the license process.

Some states have additional requirements. New York, for example, requires proof that you have lived in the state for at least 30 days. California requires you to pass the same written test and vision test as any other driver. Check your state's DMV website or call their main office to confirm what documents they accept, since requirements can change and some documents may have specific formatting rules.

How the process process works

The process is similar to explore for a regular driver's license in most states. You visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, bring your documents, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing time usually takes a few weeks, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

One key difference: many states require you to bring original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. If your documents are in another language, some states require a certified translation. A few states allow you to bring a trusted family member or community advocate to help translate during the appointment, though the final documents must still be in English or officially translated.

After you pass the tests and submit your documents, the DMV will mail your license to the address you provided. The time between submission and receiving your license in the mail typically ranges from two to six weeks, depending on the state and how busy the DMV is.

Federal restrictions on these licenses

A driver's license issued to an undocumented immigrant is valid for driving in that state and in other states. However, it cannot be used for federal purposes in most cases. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities. The federal REAL ID Act sets these restrictions, and most states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants mark them clearly so TSA and other federal agencies know they are not acceptable for these purposes.

The restriction applies only to federal purposes. You can use the license to drive, rent a car, open a bank account, or prove your identity to local police. Some states have created separate documents—like a "privilege card" or "driving permit"—specifically to make clear that the document is for driving only and not for federal ID purposes.

Differences between states

The rules vary significantly from state to state. California, for example, issues a standard driver's license that looks like any other but is marked internally as not acceptable for federal purposes. New York issues a "Driver License" to undocumented immigrants but marks it with an "X" in the top right corner. Utah issues a separate "Driving Privilege Card" that is clearly different from a regular license.

Costs also vary. Some states charge $20 to $30, while others charge $80 to $120. License validity periods range from three to eight years. Renewal processes differ too—some states allow online renewal, others require you to return to the DMV in person. A few states issue licenses that never expire, though this is rare.

Some states have income-based fee reductions or waivers for people with low income. Others offer language information at the DMV. Check your specific state's DMV website to understand the exact rules where you live, as policies can change and vary between different DMV offices within the same state.

What happens if you move to a different state

A driver's license issued by one state is recognized as valid for driving in all other states, including states that do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. You can drive legally across state lines with your license. However, if you move permanently to a state that does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, you will not be able to renew your license there or get a new one.

If you move to a state that does issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, you may be able to transfer your license or explore for a new one. Some states allow you to straightforward exchange your old license for a new one; others require you to explore as if you were a new applicant. Contact the DMV in your new state to understand their specific process.

States that do not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants

Twenty-nine states do not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. These states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

In these states, you cannot get a standard driver's license without proof of legal immigration status. Some states in this group have explored or proposed changes to this policy, so it is worth checking your state's current laws if you are planning to move or if you live in one of these states and circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a license issued to an undocumented immigrant to fly on a domestic flight?

No. Most states mark these licenses so TSA knows they are not acceptable for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight. You would need a passport or other federal ID. Some states issue separate documents like a "privilege card" that are only for driving.

What if I don't have an ITIN yet?

You can get an ITIN from the IRS without legal immigration status. You can explore by mail or in person at an IRS office. Some states allow you to get an ITIN at the DMV during your license appointment, though this varies. Contact your state DMV to ask if they offer this service.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver's license should not affect your immigration status or case. The DMV and immigration authorities are separate systems. However, if you have an active immigration case, speak with your immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information based on your situation.

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

This depends on your state. Some states allow online or mail renewal for undocumented immigrants; others require you to come to the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out their renewal process.

What if my state doesn't issue licenses to undocumented immigrants?

You cannot get a driver's license in that state without legal immigration status. Some people in this situation use an ITIN card or passport for identification purposes, though neither can be used for driving. You may want to explore whether you could move to a state that does issue licenses, or speak with an immigration attorney about your options.