Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or consular identification card, and proof of California residency, including documents like utility bills or rental agreements. They also need to submit valid immigration status documentation, such as a visa, work permit, or immigration card issued by the U.S. government. Social Security Number (SSN) verification or an affidavit of ineligibility for an SSN may be required to complete the application process.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a Driver’s License in California?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AB 60 License | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California under AB 60 must provide proof of identity, California residency, and lawful presence documentation such as an expired or valid foreign passport with a valid visa or an approved consular identification card. Key documents include a birth certificate, consular identification, and a California address verification like utility bills or rental agreements to meet DMV requirements. |
| 2 | REAL ID Act Compliance | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must present valid immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa along with proof of residency to comply with the REAL ID Act. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires these documents to verify lawful presence and identity, ensuring eligibility for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. |
| 3 | Identity Verification Documents | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide identity verification documents such as a valid foreign passport, consular identification card, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) along with proof of lawful presence or residency. These documents are essential for establishing identity, age, and residency status to meet the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements. |
| 4 | Social Security Number Ineligibility Letter | Non-citizens who are ineligible for a Social Security Number must provide a Social Security Number Ineligibility Letter along with other required documents, such as proof of identity and California residency, to obtain a driver's license in California. This letter confirms the individual's ineligibility for a Social Security Number, allowing the Department of Motor Vehicles to process their license application accordingly. |
| 5 | Proof of California Residency | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide valid documents proving California residency, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. Official government correspondence or employment pay stubs with the applicant's California address also serve as acceptable proof of residency. |
| 6 | Consular Identification Card (CID) | Non-citizens seeking a driver's license in California must provide valid identification, and a Consular Identification Card (CID) issued by their home country's consulate is an accepted form of ID. The CID must be current, government-issued, and accompanied by proof of California residency and lawful presence for licensing eligibility. |
| 7 | Foreign Passport | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must present a valid foreign passport as primary identification along with an approved immigration document such as a visa, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Form I-94. These documents verify lawful presence and identity, fulfilling the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements for issuing a driver's license. |
| 8 | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Status | Non-citizens with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status applying for a California driver's license must provide valid DACA approval documentation, proof of California residency such as utility bills or rental agreements, and a Social Security number or ineligibility letter from the SSA. These documents meet the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements for identity, residency, and legal presence verification. |
| 9 | Valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide valid identification, including a non-expired Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as proof of lawful presence and tax compliance. The ITIN serves as a critical document demonstrating the applicant's eligibility alongside secondary identification such as a passport or consular identification card. |
| 10 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide valid proof of identification and residency, with the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serving as a primary form of federal identification for those authorized to work in the U.S. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts the EAD to verify both legal presence and eligibility, streamlining the licensing process for eligible non-citizen applicants. |
Understanding Non-Citizen Driver’s Licenses in California
Non-citizens in California must provide specific documents to obtain a driver's license. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth application process.
- Proof of Identity - A valid passport, consular identification card, or other government-issued ID is required to verify your identity.
- Proof of Residency - Documents such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements must show your California residency.
- Proof of Legal Presence - Acceptable documents include a valid visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration status proof issued by the U.S. government.
Eligibility Criteria for Non-Citizen Applicants
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must present valid immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, or a valid visa with approved status. Proof of California residency, like utility bills or rental agreements, is required to verify your address within the state. Applicants must also provide a Social Security Number or an official letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration to meet identification requirements.
Required Identification Documents
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide valid identification documents to prove their identity and residency. Required identification includes a valid, unexpired foreign passport or consular identification card.
Applicants must also present proof of California residency, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. Additional documents may include an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) verification if applicable.
Proof of California Residency
What proof of California residency is required for a non-citizen to obtain a driver's license? Non-citizens must provide valid documents showing California residency, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or California school records. These documents must clearly display the applicant's name and California address to meet DMV requirements.
Social Security Number and Alternatives
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide specific documents proving identity and residency. A Social Security Number (SSN) is typically required, but there are alternatives if you do not have one.
- Social Security Number Requirement - California DMV requires an SSN to apply for a driver's license to verify eligibility for a driving privilege.
- Alternative Documents for SSN - If you are ineligible for an SSN, you must submit a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible for a number.
- Additional Identification - Along with proof of SSN or the SSA letter, valid immigration documents such as a visa, employment authorization card, or DHS documents are required.
You must ensure all documents meet California DMV standards for identity verification and residency before application submission.
Application Process for Non-Citizen Driver’s License
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license in California must provide specific documents to verify identity, residency, and lawful presence. These documents are essential to complete the application process at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The primary documents required include a valid passport or consular identification card, proof of California residency such as utility bills or rental agreements, and immigration documents like an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Form I-94. Applicants must also complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL 44). A Social Security number or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration is necessary to verify eligibility and comply with state regulations.
Acceptable Immigration Status Documents
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must present valid immigration status documents to verify their identity and legal presence. Acceptable documents include a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with an I-94 form. These documents must be current and officially issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Department of Homeland Security.
Document Checklist for First-Time Applicants
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid, unexpired foreign passport or consular identification card. |
| Proof of Legal Presence | Valid visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). |
| Social Security Number (SSN) Documentation | Social Security card, or if ineligible for SSN, provide a denial letter from the Social Security Administration. |
| Proof of California Residency | Two separate documents showing the applicant's name and California address such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements dated within the last 90 days. |
| Completed Application Form | California Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form completed and signed by the applicant. |
| Application Fee | Payment for the license application fee, accepted forms include cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. |
Steps to Schedule and Prepare for the DMV Appointment
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must carefully prepare the necessary documents before scheduling a DMV appointment. Following precise steps streamlines the application process and ensures compliance with state requirements.
- Verify eligibility and required documents - Gather valid immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, or valid visa alongside proof of California residency.
- Schedule the DMV appointment online or by phone - Use the California DMV website or call center to book an appointment, selecting a convenient date and location for the driver's license application.
- Prepare for the DMV visit - Organize all original identification, proof of residency, Social Security number documentation (if applicable), and fees to present during the visit and to complete the application efficiently.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a Driver’s License in California? Infographic
