Quick Answer
Yes — New York allows undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders to get a standard driver's license under Green Light Law (2019). No Social Security Number or proof of legal status required. Valid for driving throughout New York but not accepted as federal ID (cannot be used for domestic flights or federal buildings).
Can You Get a Driver's License in New York Without an SSN?
Yes. New York allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under Green Light Law (2019). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.
New York's Green Light Law took effect in December 2019. Given New York's enormous immigrant population — particularly in New York City — the DMV has processed hundreds of thousands of these applications. The law explicitly prohibits the DMV from sharing applicants' immigration information with federal immigration agencies.
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 New York DMV appointment:
- 1Option A: Valid foreign passport (most straightforward)
- 2Option B: Two foreign documents — foreign birth certificate + any valid foreign government-issued ID
- 3Plus proof of New York residency — 2 documents: utility bill, bank statement, lease, pay stub, 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 identity documents and 2 proofs of NY residency
- Step 2: Visit a New York DMV office — in NYC, offices in immigrant neighborhoods have the most experience
- Step 3: Complete the application form
- Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test (available in 9 languages including Spanish)
- Step 5: Pass the vision exam
- Step 6: Pass the road skills test (required for new drivers)
- Step 7: License mailed to your address
What This License Allows
Once you have your New York driver's license or driving permit, you can:
- Drive legally anywhere in New York
- 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 undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in New York?
Yes. New York's Green Light Law (2019) allows undocumented immigrants to get a standard driver's license using a foreign passport or two foreign identity documents plus proof of New York residency. No SSN is required.
Will the New York DMV share my information with immigration authorities?
The Green Light Law explicitly prohibits the NY DMV from sharing applicants' personal information with federal immigration enforcement agencies except under specific legal circumstances (such as a court order for serious crimes). Many applicants have obtained licenses without immigration consequences.
Can I use a foreign birth certificate instead of a passport in New York?
Yes. New York allows two foreign documents in place of a passport: a foreign birth certificate plus any valid foreign government-issued ID card. You still need two proofs of New York residency.
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:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →