Driver's License in Connecticut Without an SSN (2026)

Can You Get a Driver's License in Connecticut Without an SSN?

Yes. Connecticut allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under PA 13-89 (2013). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.

Connecticut passed its law in 2013. The license is issued through the DMV and is identical in function to a standard CT driver's license for driving purposes.

⚠️ License type

Standard driver's license — not valid as federal ID (REAL ID). This license is valid for driving but cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or as a federal form of ID. For air travel you will need your passport.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your Connecticut DMV appointment:

1Proof of identity — valid foreign passport
2Proof of Connecticut residency — 2 documents required: utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail

💡 Tip

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified translation.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather your foreign passport and 2 proofs of CT residency
Step 2: Schedule an appointment at a Connecticut DMV office
Step 3: Complete the application
Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test
Step 5: Pass the vision and road skills tests
Step 6: Receive your license by mail

What This License Allows

Once you have your Connecticut driver's license or driving permit, you can:

Drive legally anywhere in Connecticut
Get car insurance (insurers require a valid license)
Use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes
Use it as proof of identity at banks and credit unions — this can help with opening an account

You cannot use this license to:

Board domestic flights (need a passport or REAL ID)
Enter federal buildings or military bases
Prove immigration status or work authorization

💡 Next step: build credit

A driver's license is accepted by many banks as a second form of ID alongside your ITIN — making it easier to open an account. See which banks accept ITIN →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in Connecticut without a Social Security Number? +

Yes. Connecticut PA 13-89 (2013) allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license using a foreign passport and proof of Connecticut residency. No SSN or ITIN is required.

Is the Connecticut driver's license for undocumented immigrants accepted in other states? +

Yes, for driving purposes. It is a valid driver's license recognized for driving in all 50 states. It is not a REAL ID and cannot be used as federal identification for air travel or federal buildings.

Other States That Allow This

19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license or driving permit. Browse by state:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →