Quick Answer
19 states and Washington D.C. accept ITIN (or foreign documents in place of an SSN) for a standard driver's license, regardless of immigration status. Each state has its own law and document requirements. The license is valid for driving but is not federally compliant — not accepted for domestic flights or federal buildings.
How Many States Allow ITIN Holders to Get a Driver's License in 2026?
As of 2026, 19 states plus Washington D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license. These licenses allow you to drive legally within that state. They are not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities — but they are fully valid for driving.
These licenses are sometimes called "AB 60 licenses" (California's law name), "driving privilege cards," or "standard driver's licenses" depending on the state. The key point: they are legal driver's licenses accepted by police and insurance companies.
Always Verify With Your State DMV
Requirements and document acceptance change. Before going to the DMV, call your local office or check the state DMV website to confirm current requirements. Some DMV offices are more familiar with the process than others — calling ahead saves time.
Which States Accept ITIN for a Driver's License in 2026?
| State | Law / Program | Key Documents Required | DMV |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | AB 60 | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of CA residency | CA DMV → |
| Colorado | SB 251 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of CO residency | CO DMV → |
| Connecticut | HB 6495 (Drive Only) | Foreign passport or ID · ITIN · 2 proofs of CT residency | CT DMV → |
| Delaware | HB 225 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of DE residency | DE DMV → |
| Hawaii | HB 1907 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of HI residency | HI DMV → |
| Illinois | TVDL | Foreign passport · ITIN or foreign tax ID · 2 proofs of IL residency | IL SOS → |
| Maryland | HB 209 | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of MD residency | MD MVA → |
| Massachusetts | Work & Family Mobility Act | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of MA residency | MA RMV → |
| Minnesota | HF 4 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of MN residency | MN DVS → |
| Nevada | AB 176 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of NV residency | NV DMV → |
| New Jersey | A3686 | Foreign passport or ID · ITIN · 2 proofs of NJ residency | NJ MVC → |
| New Mexico | NM Statute (2003) | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of NM residency | NM MVD → |
| New York | Green Light Law (S1747A) | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of NY residency | NY DMV → |
| Oregon | SB 833 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of OR residency | OR DMV → |
| Rhode Island | H5217 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of RI residency | RI DMV → |
| Utah | HB 396 | Foreign passport or ID · ITIN (required) · 2 proofs of UT residency | UT DLD → |
| Vermont | HB 502 | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of VT residency | VT DMV → |
| Virginia | HB 1211 | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of VA residency | VA DMV → |
| Washington | SB 5478 (2023) | Foreign passport or ID · 2 proofs of WA residency | WA DOL → |
| Washington D.C. | B20-0577 | Foreign passport or consular ID · 2 proofs of DC residency | DC DMV → |
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Driver's License With an ITIN?
To get a driver's license with an ITIN you generally need 3 things: proof of identity (a foreign passport or consular ID), 2 documents proving in-state residency such as a utility bill and lease, and your ITIN. Exact requirements vary by state, so confirm the current list on your state's DMV website before you visit.
- Proof of identity: Foreign passport, consular ID (matrícula consular), or government-issued photo ID from your home country
- Proof of state residency: Two documents showing your name and in-state address — utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mail from a government agency
- ITIN or foreign tax ID: Many states accept an ITIN as proof of identity and tax compliance. Some also accept foreign ITINs or national tax IDs.
Call Ahead
Not all DMV staff are equally familiar with the undocumented applicant process. Call your local DMV branch before visiting and tell them you want to apply under the state's immigrant driver's license program. Ask which documents are required and whether an appointment is needed.
What Is the Difference Between a REAL ID and a Standard Driver's License?
The difference is that a REAL ID requires proof of lawful presence, while a standard license does not. The immigrant driver's licenses in these 19 states are standard, non-REAL-ID credentials: they let you drive legally, serve as photo ID at most banks, and register a vehicle, but cannot be used to board a domestic flight after the federal REAL ID deadline.
- Drive legally within the state
- Serve as an accepted photo ID at most businesses and banks
- Be used for vehicle registration and insurance
- Satisfy driving requirements if stopped by police
What an immigrant standard license cannot do:
- Board domestic flights as the sole ID (a passport is required)
- Enter federal buildings requiring REAL ID
- Be used as a federal identity document
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
State DMV offices are separate from federal immigration agencies. Applying for a state driver's license does not notify USCIS or immigration enforcement. State DMV data is generally protected from federal sharing under state privacy laws, though exact policies vary by state. Consult an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns about your case.
Can I get car insurance with an immigrant driver's license?
Yes. A valid state driver's license — including an immigrant driver's license — allows you to purchase car insurance. All major insurance companies (State Farm, Geico, Progressive, etc.) will insure you. Having an ITIN and a bank account makes payment and policy management easier.
Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get a driver's license in these states?
No. None of the 20 states that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants require a Social Security Number or ITIN. You typically need a foreign passport or government-issued photo ID and proof of state residency — such as a utility bill or lease. Each state has its own specific document list; check your state's DMV page for the exact requirements.
Can I use an immigrant driver's license to board a domestic flight?
No. Most immigrant-specific licenses — including AB 60 (California), Oregon Driver Cards, and similar programs — are not REAL ID compliant. They are not accepted by TSA for domestic air travel. You will need a valid passport for boarding domestic flights. These licenses are fully valid for driving and everyday state ID purposes.
What if my state does not allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license?
If your state does not issue licenses without proof of legal status, your options include: getting a license in a neighboring state that does allow it (if you can establish residency there), using an International Driving Permit valid in the U.S. for up to one year, or waiting to see if your state's law changes. See our state-by-state guides for no-license states.