Vermont driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Vermont issues a Driver’s Privilege Card (DPC) to any resident regardless of immigration status, in place since 2014 (23 V.S.A. § 603(e)). No proof of lawful status or U.S. citizenship is required. A non-driver state ID is available the same way. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, and what it costs.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Driver’s Privilege Card (DPC) (since 2014)
  • Social Security number required: No (present an SSA ineligibility letter and leave the field blank)
  • Driver’s Privilege Card fee: $39 (2 years) or $62 (4 years) · Non-driver ID: $29 (4 years)
  • Card marking: “Not for Federal Identification” — not a REAL ID
  • Non-driver option: available as a non-REAL ID Privilege Card
  • Agency: Vermont DMV · Phone: 802-828-2000

Who can apply

The Driver’s Privilege Card is open to any Vermont resident and requires no proof of lawful status or U.S. citizenship. Proof of lawful status is required only for a REAL ID or Enhanced (EDL) credential — not for the Privilege Card.

Documents you need

You present a combination of two or more documents establishing your name, date of birth, and place of birth:

  • A valid (unexpired) foreign passport — an expired passport does not satisfy the requirement.
  • A consular identification document (matrícula) from Mexico, Guatemala, or a comparable government.
  • A certified foreign record of birth, marriage, adoption, or divorce (with a translation if needed).

You also present two documents showing your name and current Vermont residential address (utility bill, lease, W-2/1099, recent mail, vehicle title/registration, bank).

The Social Security number rule

A Privilege Card applicant who is not registering to vote and presents an SSA letter of ineligibility may leave the Social Security number field blank.

What the card can and cannot do

The Driver’s Privilege Card is marked “Not for Federal Identification” and is not REAL ID compliant. (Cards issued to people with temporary lawful status are marked “limited term” and expire with that status, but keep full driving privileges.) You can drive with it, but cannot use it to board a flight or enter a federal facility.

How to apply

  1. Gather two or more identity documents (unexpired foreign passport, matrícula, certified records) and two Vermont residency documents.
  2. If you have no SSN, bring your SSA ineligibility letter (and you are not registering to vote).
  3. Apply at a Vermont DMV office (a first-time non-driver ID uses form VL-017, in person).
  4. Pass the exams and pay the fee — $39 (2-year) or $62 (4-year) for the DPC; $29 for a non-driver ID.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Vermont DMV — Driver Privilege Card and Non-Driver Identification; 23 V.S.A. § 603.

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