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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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, since 2015)
  • Colorado (CDOT Road & Community Safety Act)
  • Connecticut (Driver Authorization)
  • Delaware (Driver Privilege Card)
  • Hawaii (Limited Purpose License)
  • Illinois (standard license regardless of status — TVDL eliminated July 1, 2024)
  • 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: varies by state — check your state’s official fee page via the license matrix

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

Last verified: 2026-07-01.

General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice. For specific situations consult an attorney or BIA-accredited representative.