Driver's License in Washington D.C. Without an SSN (2026)

Can You Get a Driver's License in Washington D.C. Without an SSN?

Yes. Washington D.C. allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under DC Code § 50-1401.01 (amended 2013). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.

Washington D.C. allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through the DC DMV. Given D.C.'s diverse immigrant population, the DMV has significant experience with these applications.

⚠️ 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 Washington D.C. DMV appointment:

1Proof of identity — valid foreign passport or foreign government-issued ID
2Proof of DC residency — 2 documents: 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 identity and residency documents
Step 2: Visit a Washington D.C. DMV office
Step 3: Complete the application
Step 4: Pass the knowledge and vision tests
Step 5: Pass the road skills test
Step 6: License mailed to your address

What This License Allows

Once you have your Washington D.C. driver's license or driving permit, you can:

Drive legally anywhere in Washington D.C.
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 Washington D.C.? +

Yes. Washington D.C. amended its driver's license laws in 2013 to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license using a foreign passport or government ID and two proofs of DC residency. No SSN is required.

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 →