Driver’s license without social security
As you may know, the Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the main requirements to apply for a driving license in the USA, yet it is very likely that you are wondering:
Can I get a driver’s license without social security? The answer is yes, although it depends on your particular case and the state where you are.
We recommend you continue reading to better understand your possibilities.
Remember that the requirements to obtain a driver’s license in the USA vary slightly from one state to another. In addition, the legislation is changing a bit in some of them.
Therefore, depending on your personal circumstances and where you are, you could apply for a driver’s license without social security , you could even apply if you are undocumented. Great news! TRUE?
We will discuss this topic further below.
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Can I get a driver’s license without social security?
The answer is yes, some states already allow you to get a driver’s license without submitting your SSN.
Some people decide to drive without a valid license in the United States due to the inability to obtain a social security number that allows them to apply for their license.
This means that they drive illegally and put their lives and the lives of other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Due to this situation, legislators and state governments have begun to work to find a solution.
Little by little, guidelines have been created for the issuance of licenses for those who cannot obtain a social security number.
In some states it is even possible to apply for a driver’s license for undocumented immigrants . The main objective of the new regulations is to generate safety for drivers and passers-by.
In which states can you get a driver’s license without an SSN?
Currently, 13 states in the union have legislation that allows you to obtain a driver’s license without having a social security number.
These are the states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Utah, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and Hawaii.
Meanwhile, in other states, the necessary legal procedures are being carried out to also grant driving licenses without SSN.
These are: Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas.
If your state is not included in the above paragraphs, chances are you will not be able to get a driver’s license without an SSN at this time.
However, we recommend that you consult your case at a local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Requirements to obtain a driver’s license without a social security number
The first thing you should know is that both the procedure and the requirements depend on the regulations in force in each of the states.
However, as a guide, we have included the documents you must present to obtain a driver’s license without a social security number in some states.
Driver’s license without social security in New York
In this state you will need to present a combination of documents that show: 1) name, 2) date of birth, and 3) residency in New York State.
In addition to the mix of evidence DMV currently accepts ( available here ), as of December 16, 2019, they also began accepting the following documents:
- Valid, unexpired foreign passport issued by your country of nationality
- Valid and unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate
- Valid foreign driver’s license that includes your photo and is unexpired or expired less than 24 months ago
- Permanent resident card, unexpired or expired less than 24 months ago
- Employment authorization card, unexpired or expired less than 24 months ago
border crossing card - US municipal identification card (for example, NYC ID) with photo
- Foreign marriage or divorce registration or name change decree issued by a court
foreign birth certificate - Driver’s license without social security in Washington
- In the case of the state of Washington, as in New York, to apply for a driver’s license without SSN, you must prove your residence in this state and your identity through certain documents.
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To prove your residence you can present:
- Public service’s bill.
- A document from the college or university showing your current address.
- An electronic letter of identification from the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) with your current address.
- Registration of your vehicle in Washington and one of these documents:
- Vehicle title.
- Documents issued by the bank during the last 30 days that have your current address, such as
- To prove your identity when you apply for a license, the following documents will be accepted:
- US Military ID Card
- US passport with your photo and signature
- US immigration form with your photo and signature
- State or US government employee identification card
- birth certificates
- certain court documents
- Foreign passports or driving licenses
- Refugee aid packages
- If you ultimately can’t prove your identity but can prove where you live, you can get a license marked “not valid for identification.”
Driver’s license without social security in California
In the State of California they are much more flexible since they will not ask you to file the affidavit as you do not have an SSN.
You will only have to present the documents requested by the DMV to confirm that you legally reside in the United States.
These documents may include, but are not limited to, a US passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, and a Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card).
Note: Some states, such as Connecticut and Illinois, will require a letter from the Social Security Administration that explicitly states that you are not eligible for an SSN and why you are not.
Can I Get a Driver’s License Without Social Security: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a driver’s license without social security?
If you have already verified that your state is one of those that offer the possibility of obtaining a license without SSN (we have mentioned them above);
it is best to go to the DMV website that corresponds to your state to know the specific requirements. and procedure you must follow to make your request.
After gathering all the documentation, you can go to the nearest license office to carry out your process.
Note: Remember that in some license offices it is necessary to make an appointment.
How to get a driver’s license in Seattle without social security?
If you reside in the city of Seattle, do not have a social security number and want to obtain a driver’s license, you must follow the following steps, among others:
- Make the request by completing the DMVR-4 form
- Confirm your identity
- Take a vision test
- Take a test drive
Among the identity confirmation documents, the social security number is requested, but the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) makes it clear that if you do not have an SSN;
you should only make a statement explaining it. If you want further information, you can go to one of the DMV offices or visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website .
How to get a driver’s license in Connecticut without social security?
The state of Connecticut is one of those that allow you to obtain a license without having social security. To do this, through Law No. 2013-89 they have created the Drive Only program.
The first thing you should know about the application process is that it must be done through appointments that can be requested online .
To obtain this license, you must prove your identity and residence in this state for no less than 90 days, obtain the valid documents to carry out the management.
In addition to the documentation, you must take a vision test and a theoretical driving knowledge test.
To make the knowledge test appointment click here and to obtain the Connecticut state driving manual click this link .
Once you have passed the exams and provided the correct information, the DMV will send you a learner’s license. To obtain the definitive license you must take and pass the practical driving test.
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How to get a driver’s license in Utah without social security?
This state, like several that we have already mentioned, offers alternatives to people who, for different reasons, do not have a social security number;
so that they can obtain a license that allows them to legally drive.
The state of Utah created the Driving Privilege Card, which is intended solely and exclusively for residents of the state.
To start the process of obtaining this DPC you must request an appointment and complete the application that you can make online Once you arrive for your appointment;
a photo will be taken of you and you must present the documents that prove your identity.
To complete the process of obtaining the Driving Privilege Card, you must take a written knowledge test, a driving test and a vision test.
Finally, you will pay $25 for the fingerprinting process and $52 for the license issuance if you are over 21 years of age, and $39 for the provisional license if you are under 20 years of age.
