Quick Answer
No — Arizona requires proof of lawful U.S. presence for a driver's license. An ITIN alone is not sufficient — it establishes your tax identity, not your immigration status. If you need to drive, options include using a valid license from your home country, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), or relocating to a neighboring state that does issue licenses to undocumented residents.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Arizona Without an SSN?
No — not without a lawful immigration status. Arizona law requires all driver's license applicants to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) verifies your status with DHS before issuing a license. Unlike the 19 states and Washington D.C. that allow it, Arizona does not issue licenses to undocumented residents, and an ITIN does not help.
Arizona has no equivalent of California's AB 60 law. There is no "undocumented license" category in Arizona, and having an ITIN does not help — an ITIN is a tax processing number and does not establish immigration status.
Arizona law
Arizona law requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence to obtain a driver's license. See the Arizona MVD driver license requirements. The Arizona MVD verifies your status with DHS, and a license cannot be issued until DHS confirms your period of lawful presence. If you do not have an approved immigration status, a standard driver's license or state ID will not be issued.
Who Can Get a Arizona Driver's License?
People with lawful presence can get an Arizona driver's license. That covers 6 groups: U.S. citizens and permanent residents, holders of an active visa like F-1, H-1B or TN, refugees and asylees, those with Temporary Protected Status, anyone with an Employment Authorization Document (including DACA recipients), and people granted parole or deferred action. You are eligible if you have any of the following:
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status (green card)
- An active visa with authorized stay (F-1, H-1B, TN, etc.)
- Refugee or asylee status
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — this includes DACA recipients
- Parole in place or other DHS-granted deferred action
DACA holders
If you have active DACA status, you have a valid EAD card and are eligible for a Arizona driver's license. Bring your current EAD card to the Arizona MVD office as proof of lawful presence. Learn more about DACA →
What Are My Options Without Legal Status?
If you are undocumented and not eligible for an Arizona license right now, you have 4 realistic options: apply for DACA if you qualify (it grants an EAD that the MVD accepts), establish residency in New Mexico or Nevada, which issue licenses regardless of status, or drive temporarily on a valid foreign license during the limited period Arizona allows. Here are the paths forward:
- 1Apply for DACA if you qualify. DACA grants deferred action and an EAD, which Arizona MVD accepts as lawful presence. If you came to the U.S. before age 16, have lived here continuously since June 2007, and meet the other criteria, you may be eligible. See the DACA eligibility guide →
- 2Get a license in New Mexico. New Mexico issues driver's licenses to residents regardless of immigration status. If you establish residency there, you may apply. A valid New Mexico license is recognized for driving in Arizona. New Mexico requirements →
- 3Check Nevada. Nevada also allows undocumented residents to get a driver's license. Nevada requirements →
- 4Use a valid foreign driver's license. Arizona law allows visitors to drive on a valid foreign driver's license for a limited period from their date of entry to the U.S. This is a temporary option, not a long-term solution.
Important
Driving without a valid license in Arizona can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and increased immigration risk. We strongly recommend pursuing a legal path rather than driving without a license.
Why Is an ITIN Not Enough for a Driver's License?
An ITIN is not enough because it is a 9-digit number the IRS issues specifically for tax filing, not for immigration. It does not grant any immigration status, does not authorize work in the U.S., and is not accepted by the Arizona MVD as proof of lawful presence. Many people ask if it works for a license; the answer is no.
That said, having an ITIN is still useful — it allows you to file taxes, open bank accounts, and build a credit history in the U.S. Those are all things you can do today, regardless of driver's license eligibility.
What your ITIN can do
Even without a driver's license, your ITIN opens doors. Open a bank account → | Build credit → | Invest →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Arizona?
No. Arizona requires proof of lawful U.S. presence to obtain a driver's license or state ID. The Arizona MVD verifies your immigration status directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Without an approved immigration status, a license cannot be issued.
Can I get a Arizona driver's license with an ITIN?
No. An ITIN is a tax processing number and does not establish lawful U.S. presence. Arizona MVD does not accept an ITIN as a substitute for proof of immigration status.
Can DACA recipients get a driver's license in Arizona?
Yes. DACA recipients have deferred action status and are eligible to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Arizona MVD accepts a valid EAD card as proof of lawful presence, so active DACA holders can apply for a Arizona driver's license.
What is the nearest state where undocumented immigrants can get a driver's license?
New Mexico is the closest state to Arizona that issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Nevada, Utah, and Colorado are also neighboring states that allow this. See the full list at the driver's license guide.
Which States Allow Driver's Licenses Without Legal Status?
19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license, including neighboring New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, plus California, Illinois and New York. Arizona is not among them. If you live near a bordering state that allows it, such as New Mexico or Nevada, that may be your fastest path. Browse states that do:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →