Quick Answer
Yes — Washington D.C. allows undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders to get a standard driver's license under DC Code § 50-1401.01 (amended 2013). No Social Security Number or proof of legal status required. Valid for driving throughout Washington D.C. but not accepted as federal ID (cannot be used for domestic flights or federal buildings).
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:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →