Quick Answer
Yes — New York allows undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders to get a standard driver's license under Green Light Law (2019). No SSN or proof of legal status required. To apply:
- Pass the written knowledge test at a New York DMV office.
- Bring identity documents (foreign passport or Consular ID + 2 proofs of state residency dated within 60 days).
- Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.
The license is valid for driving throughout the state but is not accepted as federal ID — not valid for domestic flights or federal buildings.
- ✓Law: Green Light Law, in effect since December 14, 2019
- ✓SSN required: No — a foreign passport or 2 foreign IDs work instead
- ✓License type: Standard (not REAL ID) — valid to drive, not for flights or federal buildings
- ✓Knowledge test: Offered in Spanish and many other languages
- ✓DMV privacy: The law bars the DMV from sharing your data with ICE except by court order
New York is one of 19 states (plus D.C.) that issue licenses without an SSN. If you only need photo ID rather than a license, see the state ID card with an ITIN guide, or browse every state that accepts an ITIN.
Can You Get a Driver's License in New York Without an SSN?
Yes — and New York has one of the most established programs in the country. The Green Light Law took effect December 14, 2019, and the DMV has since processed hundreds of thousands of standard licenses for immigrant applicants. The law explicitly prohibits the DMV from sharing applicants' immigration information with federal agencies, including ICE.
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.
What Documents Do I Need?
Bring 2 categories of document to your New York DMV appointment: proof of identity (a valid foreign passport, national ID, or consular ID) and proof of New York residency, which generally requires 2 documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
- 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.
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
- 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 Spanish and many other languages)
- 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 Can I Do With This License?
Once you have your New York driver's license or driving permit, you can do 4 main things: drive legally anywhere in New York, qualify for car insurance, use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes, and present it as proof of identity to open a bank account. It cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.
- 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.
Can I use a New York Green Light Law driver's license to board a domestic flight?
No. The New York standard driver's license issued under the Green Light Law to undocumented residents is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. For air travel you will need a valid passport. The license is fully valid for driving throughout New York and other U.S. states.
Can DACA recipients get a standard driver's license in New York?
Yes. DACA recipients in New York are eligible for a standard, REAL ID-compliant driver's license. A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and DACA-issued Social Security Number satisfy the DMV's proof of authorized presence requirement. Apply at any DMV office with your EAD, Social Security card, and identity documents.
Which Other States Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Beyond New York, 19 states and Washington D.C. currently issue driver's licenses or driving permits to undocumented immigrants without requiring an SSN. Each sets its own document rules, but all accept a foreign passport or consular ID in place of a Social Security Number. Browse the full list by state:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →