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.
- Pass the written knowledge test at a DC 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.
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.
What Documents Do I Need?
Bring 2 categories of document to your Washington D.C. DMV appointment: proof of identity (a valid foreign passport, national ID, or consular ID) and proof of Washington D.C. residency, which generally requires 2 documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
- 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.
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
- 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 Can I Do With This License?
Once you have your Washington D.C. driver's license or driving permit, you can do 4 main things: drive legally anywhere in Washington D.C., 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 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.
Is the Washington D.C. driver's license REAL ID compliant? Can I use it to fly?
No. The D.C. driver's license issued to undocumented immigrants is not REAL ID compliant. You cannot use it to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. For air travel, you need a passport or another TSA-accepted form of ID.
Can DACA recipients get a driver's license in Washington D.C.?
Yes. DACA recipients can get a driver's license in Washington D.C. They may use either the standard REAL ID process (with their Employment Authorization Document and Social Security Number) or the alternative process using a foreign passport or government ID and two proofs of DC residency.
How long is the Washington D.C. driver's license valid before renewal?
Washington D.C. driver's licenses are valid for 8 years. The D.C. DMV will send a renewal notice before your expiration date.
What if I don't have a foreign passport? Can I use a Consular ID in Washington D.C.?
Yes. Washington D.C. accepts a Consular ID (such as a Mexican matrícula consular) or other government-issued photo ID from your country of origin in place of a passport. You still need two proofs of DC residency dated within 60 days of your application.
Which Other States Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Beyond Washington D.C., 19 states 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 →