Updated January 2026- Undocumented people in the United States can obtain a driver's license in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
The state that most recently authorized this issue was Minnesota in 2023It should be mentioned that, in some cases, the license itself is not issued, but rather a driving authorization card, which is known as a DAC.
Driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in the United States
In 2026, undocumented people can apply for a driver's license in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- in Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- District of Columbia
The following are the states in which undocumented people can apply for a driver's license.
New York
People who live in New York State and are at least 16 years old can apply for a driver's license regardless of their immigration status. In this state, the license is granted by adding six points that prove your identity, date of birth and address.
Read also: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina
If you do not have Social Security, you will have to sign an affidavit and present it at the time of the procedure.
For more information, you can visit this link.
California
Since 2015, California is one of the states that gives driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. To do so, they must present proof of identification and residency in the state. Licenses cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
According to the law, no one can discriminate against a holder of such a license, nor use it to question the holder's immigration status.
Is enabled this link for more details on this.
Colorado
Since 2014, undocumented immigrants have been allowed to obtain a driving permit in the state of Colorado.
To do this, it is necessary to present proof of identity and address. Likewise, a taxpayer identification number or ITIN must be provided, as well as sign specific affidavits. In addition to passing the knowledge and circulation tests.
Is enabled this link .
Nevada
In the state of Nevada, it is possible to apply for a DAC for those who cannot meet the proof of identity requirements for a license or identification card.
These cards allow the bearer to drive, but are not valid as identification to apply for other benefits or board a plane.
More information in this link.
Oregon
In 2015, the requirement that license applicants provide proof of legal presence in the United States was eliminated.
To learn more details about how the process is carried out, you can visit this link.
Utah
In this state, some documentation must be submitted to obtain a license. To know more details about it, you must enter this link.
Delaware
Delaware also joins the states that give driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. To obtain the document, applicants must submit their fingerprints and additional information that is needed to conduct a state criminal data search.
The procedure is carried out by appointment. To schedule a space, people can call (302) 739-2528 .
Illinois
This state has a peculiarity: It issues a special document called a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).
There are two types of TVDL: 1- For those who have authorization to reside in the country for one or more years. They must have at least six months of authorized presence at the time of application.
2- It is for people who do not have legal status but who lived in the country for at least one year.
This means that if the person is undocumented, they can obtain a TVDL. And if she has legal immigration status, he can ask for it too.
It is worth mentioning that a TVDL does not serve as identification before the federal government.
More details are explained in this link.
New Jersey
This is the state that incorporated, most recently - in May of this year - the possibility for undocumented immigrants to request the document.
All information on the topic can be found at this site.
Maryland
In this state, undocumented people can obtain a license. For this it is advisable to review this guide of documents that groups detailed instructions.
Washington
In this state, identity and address must be proven. To do this, you can present a foreign passport, consular identification card, birth certificate or other legal document to prove it.
Official information can be reviewed at this link.
Hawaii
Another place that gives a driver's license to undocumented immigrants is Hawaii. Since the first day of 2016, this state allows all residents who meet the age requirements (according to the law) to obtain a license, regardless of their immigration status.
Complete information is available at this site.
New Mexico
After some modifications in the law, immigrants without proper documentation are now allowed to obtain a basic license.
This document is recognized by state agencies and private companies. However, it is invalid for travel on commercial airlines since October 2020.
All additional information is available at this link.
Virginia
In July 2020, a law was signed that allows driving privilege cards to be given to undocumented immigrants. Thus, foreigners can request the document without a social security or tax identification number.
The laws can be consulted at this link.
Vermont
To apply for the license, the interested person requires proof that they are a resident of the state or are a visiting citizen of a foreign country with an authorized duration of stay with at least 30 days remaining.
For more information, you can go to this page.
Connecticut
Another state that gives a driver's license to undocumented immigrants is Connecticut. Immigrants in this state who are illegally can apply for a license under a special program. It is required to request an appointment online to schedule a written exam to obtain the permit.
The test is available in Spanish. The requirements can be seen in this page.
Washington DC
In this city there is a limited purpose driver's license, which allows residents of the district who cannot provide a social security number to drive legally.
The steps to follow are explained in this page.
You may be interested: What do you need to apply for a driver's license in North Carolina?
in Massachusetts
Starting July 1, undocumented immigrants residing in Massachusetts will be able to apply for a driver's license or learner's permit. The driver's license will be a standard Class D or M license.
Check here what you need to process it
Minnesota
El HB 4/SB 27 “Driver's Licenses for All” bill Approved on October 1, 2023, it allows undocumented immigrants in the state of Minnesota to apply for a driver's license.
Rhode Island
Effective July 1, 202,3, law S 2006/H 7939 allows any person who cannot prove legal presence in the United States, but who meets certain requirements — such as presenting proof of identity, proof of residence and not violating insurance requirements — to receive a driver's license or permit, provided that the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) considers them eligible.
Source of update 2026: National Conference of States Legislature
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