Quick Answer
Yes — 19 states and Washington D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license without an SSN or proof of legal status. Most states ask for a valid foreign passport and proof of state residency, some also want an ITIN, and Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Rhode Island require state tax filing. The license is valid for driving but not accepted as federal ID (no domestic flights or federal buildings). Find your state in the table below.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| States that issue them | 19 states plus Washington D.C. |
| SSN or legal status | Not required in those states |
| Usual documents | A valid foreign passport and proof of state residency; some states also want an ITIN |
| State tax filing required | Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Rhode Island |
| Federal ID (flights, federal buildings) | No — cards are marked "Federal Limits Apply" |
| Not valid as ID | Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada and Utah (driving only) |
| Restricted in other states | Wyoming, Florida and Tennessee treat some or all as invalid; Georgia bars drivers without lawful status |
Why Does a Driver's License Matter for Undocumented Immigrants?
A driver's license is one of the most powerful documents an undocumented immigrant can hold, and 19 states plus Washington D.C. issue them without a Social Security Number. Beyond legal driving, in most of these states it serves as everyday proof of identity that banks, landlords, and employers accept — replacing a foreign passport that can broadcast immigration status.
The good news: 19 states and Washington D.C. explicitly allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses. No Social Security Number required. No proof of legal status required. In most states you need a valid foreign ID, proof of state residency, and a trip to the DMV; some also ask for an ITIN. Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Rhode Island also require proof of state tax filing.
What a driver's license unlocks: Driving legally (critical if you work or live in a car-dependent state). Opening a bank account (state IDs are accepted). Renting an apartment (landlords ask for it). Traveling within the U.S. (not for federal buildings or flights, but for driving). Credibility in everyday situations.
Not All States Are Equal
Of the 19 states that issue licenses, some mark them "Not Valid for Federal Identification." This means you can use it for state purposes and driving, but it won't work for domestic flights or entering federal buildings. Know which category your state falls into before applying — the DMV staff can tell you.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Get a Driver's License?
Yes - in 19 states and Washington D.C. A driver's license is one of the most practical forms of ID you can carry. It lets you drive legally, opens doors at banks and employers, and gives you a way to identify yourself in everyday situations.
Key Fact - 2026
19 states plus Washington D.C. issue driver's licenses regardless of immigration status. These licenses are typically marked "Federal Limits Apply" - valid for driving and, in most states, everyday ID purposes, but not accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
The remaining 31 states require proof of lawful immigration status - such as a green card or valid visa - to obtain any license. If you live in one of those states, you will need to wait until you have work authorization or another form of lawful status.
Which 19 States and D.C. Allow Driver's Licenses Without an SSN?
As of 2026, 19 states and Washington D.C. issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without a Social Security Number, from California (AB 60) and New York to Colorado and Illinois. Each program sets its own document rules, from Hawaii's simple name, birth-date, and residency proofs to tax-filing requirements in Maryland and Delaware. Select your state below for the details:
These licenses are typically marked "Federal Limits Apply" - valid for driving and, in most states, everyday ID purposes, but not accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal government buildings. See the full 2026 list with the year each law passed →
What Documents Do I Need?
Requirements vary, but most participating states ask for documents in 3 categories: proof of identity (a valid foreign passport, national ID, or consular ID), proof of state residency (usually 2 documents such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and in some states a tax ID like an ITIN. Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Rhode Island also require proof of state tax filing. Originals or certified copies only:
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1Proof of identity Foreign passport, consular ID card (matrícula consular), or national identity document from your home country.
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2Proof of state residency (2 documents) Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or employer documents showing your name and current address in the state.
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3Supplementary identity document (if passport lacks photo or DOB) In some states an ITIN or tax return can serve as a supplementary document — see how to apply for an ITIN if you don't have one. California's AB 60 does not require an ITIN — a foreign passport plus two proofs of residency is sufficient.
California AB 60 - Call Ahead
California's AB 60 program is the most widely used. Bring your foreign passport and two proofs of California residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.) to your DMV appointment. Call the branch ahead of time to confirm the current document checklist - requirements are occasionally updated.
What Can and Can't I Do With This License?
Licenses issued under California's AB 60 and similar state programs are marked "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal Purposes." You can do 4 things with one — drive legally, buy car insurance, use it as photo ID in most of these states, and open a bank account — but it is not valid for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The full breakdown:
| Purpose | Valid? |
|---|---|
| Driving legally in your state | Yes |
| Opening a bank account | Yes |
| Renting an apartment | Yes |
| Getting car insurance | Yes |
| ID for buying alcohol or tobacco | Yes |
| Notarizing documents | Yes |
| Boarding domestic flights (TSA) | No |
| Entering federal buildings | No |
| Proof of employment eligibility (I-9) | No |
| Applying for a U.S. passport | No |
Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada and Utah are the exceptions: their cards are not valid for identification, so only the driving and insurance rows apply there.
Flying Domestically - Use Your Passport
TSA requires REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. A "Federal Limits Apply" license does not qualify. Use your foreign passport as your airport ID instead - it is accepted by TSA for domestic travel.
Can I Drive in Other States With This License?
Not in every state. Since July 1, 2025, Wyoming has treated any out-of-state license issued to an undocumented immigrant as invalid, and Florida and Tennessee void license classes issued only to undocumented immigrants, such as Connecticut's and Delaware's. Georgia also bars non-citizens without lawful status from driving there, whatever license they hold.
| State | What's invalid, and the penalty |
|---|---|
| Wyoming Since July 1, 2025 | Any driver's license or driving privilege document issued outside Wyoming to an undocumented immigrant. Driving on one is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. Law: W.S. 31-7-143 (2025 HB 116). |
| Florida Since July 1, 2023 | Connecticut's Drive Only license and Delaware's Driving Privilege Card are invalid. Non-REAL ID licenses from the other 17 states and D.C. may be invalid if the driver isn't lawfully present. Under F.S. 322.033, police cite the driver for driving without a license. See FLHSMV's list. |
| Tennessee Since January 1, 2026 | License classes another state issues only to undocumented immigrants; the Department of Safety's list names Connecticut and Delaware. Driving on one is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine (Public Chapter 288 of 2025). See the Department of Safety's license page. |
| Georgia DDS policy | Non-citizens who don't live in Georgia may not drive there without lawful status, whatever license they hold, and residents must switch to a Georgia license within 30 days, which requires lawful presence. See Georgia DDS. |
Rules like these change, so check every state on your route before a long drive. State details: Wyoming, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.
Can ITIN Holders Get a REAL ID Driver's License?
REAL ID requires proof of lawful U.S. status, so most undocumented immigrants and ITIN-only holders cannot obtain a REAL ID-compliant license. However, DACA recipients with a valid EAD can get a REAL ID in most states, and TPS holders are also eligible. Without REAL ID, you will need a passport for domestic flights and federal buildings — a standard license marked "Federal Limits Apply" is not accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- Undocumented / ITIN-only: Not eligible for REAL ID. Your standard state license is valid for driving but not for TSA checkpoints or federal buildings. Use your passport for flights.
- DACA recipients: Eligible for REAL ID in most states with a valid EAD + SSN. Check your state DMV — a few states have inconsistent policies.
- TPS holders: Eligible for REAL ID in most states with a valid EAD.
- Alternative for flights: A valid foreign passport is accepted at all TSA checkpoints and does not require REAL ID compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license with an ITIN?
In many states, yes. An ITIN can serve as a supplementary document showing U.S. tax residency. In California, you do not need an ITIN - your foreign passport and two proofs of residency are the primary requirements. In states like Colorado, an ITIN may be accepted as part of the identity documentation. Check your specific state's DMV website for the current document list.
Can a driver's license be used as ID for undocumented immigrants?
Yes, in most of these states, for everyday purposes such as opening a bank account, renting an apartment, getting car insurance, and general identity verification. Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada and Utah cards are the exception: they can't be used as identification. "Federal Limits Apply" licenses cannot be used for boarding domestic flights or entering federal government buildings. Use your passport for those.
Does getting a driver's license affect immigration status?
Getting a state driver's license does not directly affect your immigration status. State DMV records are generally separate from federal immigration enforcement. Policies can change, so consult an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns before applying.
Can I get a driver's license without a Social Security Number?
Yes, in 19 states and Washington D.C. These states issue driver's licenses regardless of whether you have a Social Security Number. Instead of an SSN, you present a foreign passport, consular ID, and proof of state residency.
All Driver's License Guides
State-by-state driver's license guides for ITIN holders and undocumented immigrants — exact documents, fees, and DMV process for each state that issues licenses without an SSN.