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Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants: 2026 States

By the Abuelito Driving School team · Updated October 3, 2026 · Based on official sources

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license? In some states, yes. As of October 2026, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that let residents get a driver's license or driving card without proving lawful presence in the United States. The rest do not.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Always confirm on your state's official site, and talk to an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid organization about your own case.

States that issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants (2026)

Based on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and state agency pages. We found no repeals as of October 2026.

Puerto Rico also issues licenses regardless of immigration status, according to groups that track these laws.

Recent changes: the newest programs are Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island (2023). Illinois replaced its temporary visitor license with a standard license in 2024. In Utah, a 2026 bill (HB 287) to end the driving privilege card did not pass. These laws come up in legislatures every year, so check before you apply.

What about the 51 states we cover?

Here's where our states, counting Washington, D.C., stand as of October 2026:

• Issue a license or card without proof of status (17): California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington and the District of Columbia.
• Do not (15): Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Where to check the official details for the ones that do:

A note on language in Utah: the Driver License Division says the written test for the Driving Privilege Card is given only in English, with no translation aids allowed.

Florida also has a law saying that certain out-of-state licenses, the kind issued only to people who could not prove lawful presence, are not valid for driving in Florida. FLHSMV keeps an FAQ page on this. If you travel, check first.

Standard license vs. REAL ID

This is the key difference:

• REAL ID is a license that meets federal standards and requires proof of lawful presence. Since May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID (or a passport or other accepted ID) at airport security for domestic flights. See DHS.
• Licenses issued without proof of status are not REAL ID. They're usually marked "Not for Federal Purposes," "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal ID." They're valid for driving, but not for boarding a plane or entering certain federal buildings.
• Some cards (such as Delaware's and Nevada's) state that they can't be used as identification for other purposes.
• In several states, the same marking appears on any standard license, including those held by citizens who didn't choose REAL ID.

What most states still require

Even where status isn't required, you'll still need to:

• Prove your identity, for example with a foreign passport or consular ID (each state has its own list).
• Prove state residency, sometimes for a minimum period.
• Pass the tests: written, vision and road.
• Provide a Social Security number or an alternative, such as an ITIN or a signed statement that you don't have one, depending on the state.

More in our documents guide.

Watch out for scams

No one can "sell" you a license or "guarantee" a pass. Applications go through official state offices and websites (ending in .gov). If someone asks for extra money to "fix" your case, walk away.

Get ready for the test

If your state lets you apply, the written test is the same for everyone. Practice free with Grandpa, in English or Spanish.

Practice free with Abuelito →