District of Columbia driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Washington, D.C. issues a Limited Purpose Driver License to residents who cannot provide a Social Security number, in place since May 1, 2014 (Driver’s Safety Amendment Act of 2013). It uses a Social Security Declaration rather than an ITIN or tax return, and a non-driver ID is available the same way. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, and what it costs.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Limited Purpose Driver License (since 2014)
  • Social Security number required: No — submit a Social Security Declaration (no ITIN or tax return)
  • Driver license fee: $47 (8 years) · Non-driver Limited Purpose ID: $20 (8 years)
  • Card validity: 8 years
  • Card marking: “not valid for official federal purposes”
  • Non-driver option: available (Limited Purpose ID)
  • Agency: DC DMV · Phone: (202) 737-4404 (or 311 in DC)

Who can apply

The Limited Purpose Driver License lets DC residents who cannot provide a Social Security number drive legally. You must never have had an SSN, or have had one but now cannot establish legal presence, or not be eligible for one — and you submit a Social Security Declaration form proving SSN ineligibility. No ITIN or tax return is required. A non-driver Limited Purpose ID is available under the same rule.

Documents you need

  • One primary identity document — an unexpired passport, a consular card (matrícula), a US birth certificate, or an unexpired foreign driver license/ID.
  • One secondary document — a foreign birth certificate, or an unexpired foreign driver license or ID.
  • Two documents proving your current DC address, plus two documents (dated at least 6 months before your application) proving how long you have lived in DC.

All documents must be valid, current, and reflect the same name.

What the card can and cannot do

The Limited Purpose credential is marked “not valid for official federal purposes.” That means:

  • You can legally drive and use it as DC identification.
  • You cannot use it to enter federal facilities or a nuclear plant, or to board an airplane. Carry your passport for those.

How to apply

  1. Complete the Social Security Declaration (proving SSN ineligibility).
  2. Gather your primary and secondary identity documents, two DC address proofs, and two residency-duration documents.
  3. Book an online appointment at a DC DMV service center (the driver license requires an appointment — no walk-in; the non-driver ID accepts walk-ins Wednesday–Saturday).
  4. Take the knowledge and road-skills tests (for the license) and pay the fee — $47 for the license or $20 for a non-driver ID.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: DC DMV — Limited Purpose Driver License, Limited Purpose Credential FAQs, Limited Purpose Non-Driver ID, and Driver License Fees.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the DC DMV before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.