Quick Answer
Yes — Connecticut issues a Drive Only license to residents who can't prove legal presence or don't have an SSN. To get one:
- Book an appointment online (no walk-ins) and sign the affidavit that you'll apply to legalize your status once you're eligible.
- Bring 2 identity documents — at least 1 a foreign passport or valid consular ID — plus 2 pieces of mail showing 90+ days of Connecticut residency.
- Pass the vision, knowledge, and road tests ($40), then pay $36 for a 3-year license.
The license is for driving only: it can't be used as identification, for federal purposes, or to vote.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Connecticut Without an SSN?
Yes. Public Act 13-89, passed in 2013, created Connecticut's Drive Only license, and the DMV began issuing it on January 2, 2015. It is for residents who can't establish legal presence or don't have a Social Security number. U.S. citizens and immigrants with unexpired USCIS documents, including B-1 and B-2 visitors, apply for a regular license instead.
The program is codified at Connecticut General Statutes section 14-36m; a 2015 law, Public Act 15-79, updated the identity rules. The DMV answers common questions on its Drive Only FAQ page, and the legislature's summary of PA 13-89 explains the original law.
Who Qualifies for a Connecticut Drive Only License?
You qualify if you have lived in Connecticut for at least 90 days, can provide the documents on DMV form DI-4, and can't prove legal presence or have no SSN. When you book online, you sign an affidavit promising to apply to legalize your status once eligible. A Connecticut felony conviction makes you ineligible, and fees aren't refunded.
Criminal history check
The DMV checks Connecticut criminal records before issuing the license. A felony conviction in Connecticut disqualifies you, and the DMV keeps any fees you've paid.
Which IDs and Address Proofs Does Connecticut Accept?
Connecticut requires 2 identity documents, and at least 1 must be primary: a foreign passport expired no more than 3 years, or a valid, unexpired consular ID from your country. Secondary options include a foreign national ID card, another state's or country's license with security features, a foreign birth certificate with a raised seal, or a U.S. marriage certificate.
- 1Primary (at least 1): foreign passport not expired more than 3 years, or a valid, unexpired consular identification document from your country of citizenship.
- 2Secondary (for the second ID): foreign national ID card (current or expired), a valid driver's license with security features from another state or country, an original foreign birth certificate with a raised seal, or a U.S. marriage certificate.
- 3Address: 2 pieces of mail or email from 2 different sources showing your name and Connecticut home address, none older than 2 years. If you moved within the last 90 days, bring 4: 2 at your new address and 2 at your previous Connecticut address.
Tip
Bring originals or certified copies only — the DMV rejects photocopies, notarized copies, and damaged documents. Anything not in English must be translated by a DMV-approved translator. The full list is on form DI-4.
How Much Does a Connecticut Drive Only License Cost?
A Connecticut Drive Only license costs $36 and is valid for 3 years, and a renewal costs the same $36. The DMV also charges a $40 exam fee that covers the vision, knowledge, and road tests, and a learner's permit costs $19 if you need one before your road test. Failing the road test means paying the $40 again.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Drive Only license — new (3 years) | $36 |
| Drive Only license — renewal (3 years) | $36 |
| Knowledge and road testing | $40 |
| Learner's permit (class D) | $19 |
Fees come from the Connecticut DMV fee list; check the current amounts before your appointment.
How Do I Apply in Connecticut Step by Step?
Applying takes 5 steps: book an appointment on the DMV website and sign the affidavit, gather 2 IDs and your address proofs, submit them at your appointment, pass the vision and knowledge tests, then pass the road test and pay the $36 license fee. The DMV doesn't accept walk-ins for any of these steps.
- Step 1: Book a Drive Only appointment on the DMV website; you sign the legalization affidavit while scheduling.
- Step 2: Gather 2 identity documents (1 primary) and 2 address proofs, with translations if needed.
- Step 3: Submit your documents at the appointment; the DMV runs the Connecticut criminal history check.
- Step 4: Pay the $40 exam fee and pass the vision and knowledge tests.
- Step 5: Pass the road test at a scheduled appointment, then pay $36 for your 3-year license.
What Can't You Do With a Connecticut Drive Only License?
A Connecticut Drive Only license lets you drive legally, and nothing more. The DMV says it can't be used for identification, and Public Act 13-89 bars its use for federal identification, such as boarding a plane, or as proof of identity to vote. Florida, Tennessee and Wyoming treat it as invalid.
- Drive legally in Connecticut and buy auto insurance — see car insurance without an SSN
- Renew every 3 years for $36 with current address proofs
You cannot use it to:
- Prove your identity — carry your passport or consular ID for that
- Board a domestic flight — see flying with an ITIN
- Vote or prove immigration status
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ITIN for a Connecticut Drive Only license?
No. Connecticut's Drive Only license is for people who don't have an SSN or can't prove legal presence, and the DMV's document list doesn't include an ITIN.
Does Connecticut accept a matrícula consular?
Yes. A valid, unexpired consular identification document from your country counts as a primary ID. You still need a second document from the primary or secondary list.
How long must I live in Connecticut before applying?
At least 90 days. You prove it with 2 pieces of mail from 2 different sources, or 4 pieces if you moved within the last 90 days.
Can I use my Drive Only license as ID?
No. The DMV's own FAQ says it can't be used for identification, and the law bars using it for federal ID or to vote. Keep your passport or consular ID with you.
What happens if I have a criminal record?
A felony conviction in Connecticut makes you ineligible for a Drive Only license, and the DMV doesn't refund fees already paid. The DMV checks Connecticut criminal history for every applicant.
How do I renew a Drive Only license?
Renew every 3 years for $36. Bring original or certified documents and proof of Connecticut residency no older than 2 years.
Which Nearby States Also Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Connecticut is 1 of 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., that license drivers without proof of lawful status. In New England, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont do too, while New Hampshire and Maine do not. Next door, New York issues standard licenses under its 2019 Green Light law. Each state sets its own documents and limits.
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →