Driver's license by immigration status — all paths
Driver's license paths by immigration status: US citizen, LPR, DACA, work visa, student visa, undocumented (19 states + DC). Requirements, docs, costs for each path.
Driver’s license by immigration status — all paths
Driver’s licenses in the US are issued by each state separately. Each state has different rules for which immigration statuses can get a license. Below are all the typical paths organized by status.
About this page: This is procedural information organized by immigration status. We list the path each status can take — you self-identify which applies. This is not personalized legal advice or eligibility determination.
Path 1: US Citizen / Naturalized Citizen
If you are a US citizen by birth or naturalization
Apply for a standard driver’s license at any DMV in the state you reside. All 50 states + DC accept US passports, certified birth certificates, naturalization certificates (N-550/N-570), or REAL ID-compliant ID. No immigration documents needed.
Documents typically needed:
- US passport OR certified birth certificate OR naturalization certificate
- Social Security card or W-2 showing SSN
- Two proofs of state residency (utility bills, lease, voter registration)
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks (DMV appointment + license arrives by mail)
Path 2: Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
If you are an LPR (green card holder, Form I-551)
Apply for a standard driver’s license at DMV. Your green card is accepted as proof of legal status in all 50 states. You can also get a REAL ID. Process is essentially the same as a US citizen.
Documents typically needed:
- Valid green card (Form I-551)
- Passport from country of citizenship
- Social Security card
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 3: Refugee, Asylee, or other temporary status
If you have refugee, asylee, or temporary protected status (TPS)
Most states accept your EAD (Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766) + I-94 record as proof of legal presence. You get a temporary license that matches the duration of your authorization.
Documents typically needed:
- EAD card (Form I-766)
- I-94 arrival/departure record
- Passport from country of citizenship
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 4: DACA recipient
If you have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
DACA recipients can get a standard driver’s license in ALL 50 states + DC. Your EAD with C-33 category code is accepted as proof of legal presence. The license duration matches your DACA renewal cycle (typically 2 years).
Documents typically needed:
- EAD card (Form I-766) with C-33 category
- I-797 approval notice
- Passport from country of citizenship
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 5: H-1B, L-1, O-1, or other work visa holder
If you have a valid work visa
Most states issue licenses matching the duration of your I-94 record (not the visa stamp). Bring your visa stamp page, I-94, EAD if applicable, and employer letter.
Documents typically needed:
- Valid passport with visa stamp
- I-94 record (online printout)
- I-797 approval notice (if applicable)
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 6: F-1 / M-1 Student visa
If you are an F-1 or M-1 student
Bring your I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility), valid passport, and I-94. Most states issue a license matching the duration of your I-20 program. Note: F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) requires the EAD instead.
Documents typically needed:
- Valid I-20 (or I-20 + EAD for OPT)
- Passport with F-1 or M-1 visa
- I-94 record
- Two proofs of state residency
- School enrollment letter (some states)
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 7: Undocumented — AB60-type license states
If you are undocumented and live in a state offering license without legal status
These 19 states + DC issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status (as of 2024). These are NOT REAL IDs — they’re marked differently to indicate “non-REAL ID” or “driver privilege card”:
- California (AB60) — first state, since 2015
- Colorado (CDOT Road & Community Safety Act)
- Connecticut (Driver Authorization)
- Delaware (Driver Privilege Card)
- Hawaii (Limited Purpose License)
- Illinois (TVDL — Temporary Visitor Driver License)
- Maryland (HB387)
- Massachusetts (Standard License)
- Minnesota (Driver License)
- New Jersey (Standard License)
- New Mexico (Driver Authorization)
- New York (Standard License under Green Light NY)
- Nevada (Driver Authorization Card)
- Oregon (Equal Access)
- Rhode Island (Driver License)
- Utah (Driving Privilege Card)
- Vermont (Driver Privilege Card)
- Virginia (HB1211)
- Washington (Standard License)
- District of Columbia (Limited Purpose Driver License)
Note: laws change. Verify current state policy before applying.
Documents typically needed:
- Foreign passport (preferred)
- Matricula consular or ID from home country
- Two proofs of state residency in the state
- Some states: proof of state tax filing or W-2
Cost: $25-$80 depending on state
Timeline: 1-4 weeks (some have longer wait)
Path 8: Undocumented in states without alternative licensing
If you are undocumented in a state that does NOT offer alternative licensing
These states (31 states) require SSN or proof of legal status. Options: (1) Move to one of the 19 states + DC listed above, (2) Wait for state policy change, (3) Use state ID alternatives (some states have non-driving IDs available with consular documents).
Documents typically needed:
- N/A — not available in these states
Cost: N/A
Timeline: Until law changes
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice. For specific situations consult an attorney or BIA-accredited representative.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
Why list options by immigration status?
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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.