Driver's license

Rhode Island driver license + state ID — without SSN options for immigrants

How undocumented residents get a Rhode Island Driver Privilege Card (since July 2023): the RI tax-return requirement, the documents (ITIN letter / Carnet), the non-driver Identification Privilege Card, fees ($25 DPC / $28.50 ID), and FAQs.

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The Rhode Island State House in Providence.

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Rhode Island driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Rhode Island issues a Driver Privilege Card (DPC) to undocumented residents, available since July 1, 2023. By statute you do not need proof of legal presence or a Social Security number — but you do need to have filed Rhode Island taxes. A non-driver Identification Privilege Card is also available. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, and what it costs.

Quick answer

Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Driver Privilege Card (DPC) (since July 2023)
Social Security number required: No (statute does not require one)
Tax requirement: YES — you must have filed an RI income tax return (or be a dependent on one)
DPC fee: $25 (renewal $30) · Non-driver Identification Privilege Card: $28.50 (free at 59+)
Card validity: expires on your second birthday following issuance
Card marking: not valid for federal purposes or state voting (looks like a non-REAL ID license)
Agency: Rhode Island DMV · Phone: (401) 462-4368

Who can apply

You may be eligible for a Driver Privilege Card or Identification Privilege Card if you cannot establish legal presence but are a Rhode Island resident who has filed a Rhode Island personal income tax return in the prior tax year, or been claimed as a dependent on one. (You cannot hold both a DPC and the state ID — choose one.)

The tax requirement and documents

The gateway is tax verification: the RI Division of Taxation confirms you filed (or were claimed on) a prior-year RI return and issues a verification certificate. Bring:

Copies of your taxes, and your ITIN letter or Carnet (matrícula consular).
A passport or photo ID proving who you are.
At the DMV, proof of identity plus two proofs of Rhode Island residency.

What the card can and cannot do

The DPC is identical in appearance to a non-REAL ID Rhode Island license. That means:

You can legally drive with it.
You cannot use it as identification for official federal purposes or for state voting. It also cannot be used as evidence of your immigration status or as a basis for arrest or detention. Carry your passport for federal purposes.

How to apply

File your Rhode Island taxes (or confirm you are a dependent) and get the Division of Taxation verification.
Gather your tax copies, ITIN letter or Carnet, passport/photo ID, and two RI residency proofs.
Make a reservation at the DMV (600 New London Avenue, Cranston) — appointments only.
Take the tests (you may be exempt with a current/recently-expired out-of-state license) and pay the $25 fee.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Rhode Island DMV — Driver’s/Identification Privilege Card FAQs; RI Division of Taxation — Driver Privilege Cards; R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.4-2.

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Rhode Island driver license without an SSN or legal status?

Yes. Since July 1, 2023, an undocumented Rhode Island resident can get a Driver Privilege Card (DPC). By statute you are not required to present proof of legal presence or a Social Security number if you do not have one. There is also a non-driver Identification Privilege Card (since January 1, 2024) — but you cannot hold both a DPC and the state ID.

Do I have to file taxes to get the card?

Yes. You must have filed a Rhode Island resident personal income tax return for the prior tax year, or been claimed as a dependent on one, and you obtain a verification certificate from the RI Division of Taxation. The Taxation guidance tells you to bring copies of your taxes, your ITIN letter or Carnet (matrícula consular), and a passport or photo ID; the DMV also requires proof of identity and two proofs of Rhode Island residency.

What does the card cost and how long is it valid?

The original Driver Privilege Card is $25 (renewal $30), and a Rhode Island State ID is $28.50 (no fee at age 59+). The DPC expires on your second birthday following the date of issuance. If you have a current out-of-state license (or one expired less than five years), you can be exempt from the written exam and road test.

Can I fly with it?

No. The Driver Privilege Card is identical in appearance to a non-REAL ID Rhode Island license, but it is not a valid form of identification for official federal purposes or for state voting. It also cannot be used as evidence of your immigration status or as a basis for arrest or detention. Carry your passport for federal purposes.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.