Quick Answer
Yes — some states issue a non-driver state ID with an ITIN. A state ID is a photo ID with no driving privilege. California's AB 1766 issues ID cards to any resident regardless of immigration status, and states that license undocumented drivers generally issue IDs too. You apply in person with a passport or consular ID plus proof of residency.
Can You Get a State ID With an ITIN if You Don't Drive?
Yes, in some states. You do not need to drive to get a government photo ID. California's AB 1766 issues an ID card to any resident regardless of immigration status, and the 19 states plus Washington D.C. that license undocumented drivers generally issue IDs under similar document rules. You apply in person at the DMV.
This matters because a state ID solves the everyday "I have no photo ID" problem without a license — useful for banking, picking up packages, and age or identity verification. California's program is the clearest example; the state's DMV explains the documents and process on its identification card page. Availability varies by state, so confirm with your own DMV first.
What Is a Non-Driver State ID and How Is It Different From a Driver's License?
A non-driver state ID is a government photo ID with no driving privilege, issued by the same DMV that issues licenses. It proves your name, photo, date of birth, and address for banking, age checks, and identity verification — but it does not authorize you to drive. A driver's license does both jobs; the ID card does only the identity job.
Because the two cards share a DMV and a document checklist, people who do not drive often choose the ID card instead of a license. If you do drive, you generally need a license rather than an ID. For who qualifies for a license and where, see the driver's license guide.
Which States Issue a State ID Regardless of Immigration Status?
Generally the 19 states plus Washington D.C. that issue driver's licenses regardless of immigration status also issue non-driver ID cards under the same document rules. California goes further: AB 1766 issues an ID card to any California resident regardless of status. The table below shows a sample of these states and the typical card type.
| State | Issues ID regardless of status? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | AB 1766 — any resident, any status |
| New York | Yes | Standard "Not for Federal Purposes" ID |
| Illinois | Yes | Standard non-REAL-ID card |
| New Jersey | Yes | Standard "Federal Limits Apply" ID |
| Washington | Yes | Standard ID, no SSN required |
| Most other states | No | Require SSN or lawful status |
This list is a sample, not the full set, and rules change — always confirm with your own state's DMV before applying. The states that license undocumented drivers are the same ones most likely to issue an ID card without an SSN. For the current count and the full state-by-state breakdown, see how many states give undocumented driver's licenses in 2026 and our list of states that accept an ITIN for a driver's license.
Does an ITIN Count as Proof of Identity for a State ID?
Not on its own, usually. An ITIN is a nine-digit IRS tax number, not a photo ID, so it can support your identity or residency file but is rarely sufficient alone. The DMV pairs it with a primary identity document — a foreign passport or consular ID (Matrícula Consular) — plus proof of a state address.
Think of the ITIN as a supporting document, not the main one. Some states list it among the accepted secondary documents; others use it only to match tax or address records. The strongest application combines a valid passport, the ITIN, and two proofs of residency. Learn what the number is and is not in the ITIN guide.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a State ID Without an SSN?
To get a state ID without a Social Security number you generally bring a foreign passport or consular ID for identity, plus two proofs of a state residential address — such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. An ITIN can be added as a supporting document. You complete the application in person at the DMV.
- Primary identity: valid foreign passport, or a consular ID / Matrícula Consular.
- Proof of residency: usually two documents showing your in-state address (lease, utility bill, bank statement).
- Tax number (supporting): your ITIN assignment letter (CP565), where the state accepts it.
- Application + fee: the DMV's ID-card form and the state fee, paid in person.
States that license undocumented drivers usually accept the same documents for an ID card. If you also want to drive, compare the requirements in our list of states that accept an ITIN for a driver's license.
Can You Use a State ID to Fly or Enter Federal Buildings?
No — not a standard non-REAL-ID state ID. A card marked "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal Purposes" is not accepted by TSA to board a domestic flight and cannot be used to enter most federal buildings. For air travel, ITIN holders and undocumented travelers typically use a valid foreign passport instead.
Your state ID still works for banking, age verification, and most everyday identity checks — it simply is not federal ID. For the documents that do get you through airport security, see can you fly with an ITIN.
How Much Does a State ID Cost and How Do You Apply?
A state ID card typically costs roughly $10 to $40, varies by state, and is applied for in person at the DMV. Some states offer reduced-fee or no-fee IDs for low-income residents, seniors, or people experiencing homelessness. You bring your identity and residency documents, complete the form, pay the fee, and have your photo taken.
Book a DMV appointment where the state offers one, since walk-in waits can be long. Bring originals, not copies, of every document. After you apply, the card usually arrives by mail within a few weeks. For the broader picture on driving and ID options, start at the driver's license guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a state ID without a Social Security number?
Yes, in some states. The 19 states plus Washington D.C. that issue driver's licenses regardless of immigration status generally issue non-driver ID cards under similar rules. You apply with a foreign passport or consular ID and proof of residency instead of an SSN; an ITIN can help but is rarely enough alone.
Does California give state IDs to undocumented residents?
Yes. California's AB 1766 lets any California resident get a state ID card regardless of immigration status. You apply in person at the DMV with documents proving identity, residency, and a California address. The card is a photo ID for everyday use; it does not grant driving privileges or count as federal ID.
Is a state ID the same as a REAL ID?
No. A standard state ID is marked "Not for Federal Purposes" or "Federal Limits Apply" and is not a REAL ID. A non-REAL-ID state ID works for banking and everyday identity checks, but TSA does not accept it to board a flight and it cannot be used to enter federal buildings.
Can I open a bank account with a state ID and an ITIN?
Often, yes. Many banks accept a state ID card as photo identification and an ITIN as the taxpayer number to open an account, though each bank sets its own list. Some also accept a foreign passport or consular ID. Confirm the bank's accepted documents before you apply in person.
Do I need a state ID if I already have a driver's license?
Usually not. A driver's license already serves as a government photo ID, so most people who drive do not also need a non-driver state ID. A state ID is mainly for people who do not drive but still want an official photo ID for banking, age verification, and everyday identity checks.
Can I fly domestically with a non-driver state ID?
No, not with a standard non-REAL-ID state ID. TSA does not accept a state ID marked "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal Purposes" to board a domestic flight. ITIN holders and undocumented travelers usually fly with a valid foreign passport, which TSA accepts from any country.