Driver's License Without an SSN: State Programs, Documents and Limits

Which states offer it

This guide covers five states whose official DMV websites describe a license program for people without a Social Security number (SSN) or proof of lawful presence: California, New York, New Jersey, Washington and Colorado. Other states may have similar rules, and each program has its own name, document list and limits.

These licenses are driving privileges, not immigration documents. The details below are summarized from official state pages as of October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm on your state DMV's website before your visit. This page is general information, not legal advice.

California: the AB 60 license

The California DMV says AB 60 driver's licenses are for people who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States. Applicants still have to meet the other DMV requirements and prove their identity and California residency.

The DMV's AB 60 document guide lists, among other identity options:

• the Mexican Consular Card (Matrícula Consular, 2014 or 2022 version);
• a valid foreign passport from the DMV's approved list, an option for applicants without a verifiable SSN;
• for a secondary review: a foreign passport, consular ID card, foreign national ID card or foreign driver's license.

Residency can be shown with documents such as a rental or lease agreement signed by the landlord and the tenant, home utility bills (including cell phone bills) or a U.S. Postal Service change-of-address confirmation. If you cannot provide acceptable documents, the DMV does a secondary review to verify your identity and residency. The guide notes that it is subject to change.

AB 60 applicants must pass a knowledge test, and applicants age 15 to 17½ must complete a driver education course.

New York: the Green Light Law

Under New York's Green Light Law, everyone age 16 and older can apply for a Standard, not-for-federal-purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit, regardless of citizenship or lawful status in the United States.

• You can apply for a Standard license or permit without a Social Security card or ineligibility letter.
• If you have never been issued an SSN, you sign an affidavit (sworn statement) saying so.
• You show a combination of documents that prove your name, date of birth and New York State residency. The DMV's online document guide lists which documents count.

Standard licenses are marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" and look the same no matter which documents you used. The DMV says the law includes privacy protections that limit data sharing and requires that license holders be notified when immigration enforcement agencies request their data.

New Jersey, Washington and Colorado

New Jersey. Since May 1, 2021, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has offered standard licenses to all New Jerseyans without regard to immigration status. Applicants prove identity with the 6 Points of ID system, prove New Jersey residency and give an SSN or ITIN. People who are ineligible for an SSN and do not have an ITIN may submit a signed affidavit, which must be notarized or signed in front of an MVC agency employee. A foreign photo driver's license must be presented with another government-issued document, documents not in English need a certified English translation, and documents cannot be expired more than three years.

Washington. The Department of Licensing (DOL) says that when you apply for a driver license you must provide your SSN or sign a declaration saying you don't have one. Its list of identity documents includes a consulate ID, electoral ID or ID from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico or Peru. A foreign ID or driver license is also listed, to be combined with other documents.

Colorado. Colorado's standard licenses under the CO-RCSA (SB 251) program are for residents who are undocumented or temporarily lawfully present. Applicants who are not lawfully present need an ITIN, an identity document (a consular card, military document or passport) and must sign an affidavit that they currently live in Colorado and show proof of a tax return filed for the immediately preceding 12 months, or sign an affidavit that they have lived in Colorado continuously for the preceding 24 months. The Colorado DMV says these cards are valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

What these licenses can and cannot be used for

A license from these programs lets you drive legally, but official pages describe clear limits:

• New York: a Standard license cannot be used to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID–compliant license requires a Social Security card or ineligibility letter.
• Washington: standard licenses are marked "Federal limits Apply," and as of May 7, 2025 they can no longer be used to board domestic flights. An enhanced license requires U.S. citizenship.
• Colorado: the card has a black banner reading "Not Valid For Federal Identification, Voting or Public Benefit Purposes." It cannot be used to board commercial airplanes, enter federal facilities, vote or apply for public benefits.
• California: the DMV says people applying for a license through AB 60 cannot apply for a REAL ID–compliant card. Its AB 60 page adds that those who qualify may be able to upgrade to a REAL ID.

These are not commercial licenses. New Jersey requires CDL applicants to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and Washington requires an SSN and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency for a CDL.

Same tests, same rules of the road

A license without an SSN is not an easier license. In New York you must pass a written (knowledge) test to get a learner permit and a road test before you can get a driver license. In New Jersey, applicants complete the Graduated Driver License program: a knowledge test, a period of supervised practice driving and a road test. California requires AB 60 applicants to pass a knowledge test. Colorado offers the written test in English and Spanish, and for the drive test you need valid registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you use.

The knowledge test is based on the same state driver's manual for every applicant, so practicing with your state's test questions is a good way to prepare. Before your visit, check your DMV's website for the current document list, fees and appointment rules.