What Immigrants Should Know About Driver Privilege Cards
As of 2025, 20 states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. In many cases, these licenses are marked with some variation of "Not for Federal Purposes," which means they are not valid for federal identification or air travel. Among the states that do allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, each state sets its own requirements and provides licenses regardless of immigration status or Social Security Number.
In the state of Virginia, these licenses are known as "driver privilege cards." It can be extremely difficult for undocumented immigrants to work, take their children to school, and run necessary errands without a driver’s license. Those who drive without a license, in states that do not provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, live in fear of being stopped.
A simple traffic stop can have devastating consequences, including deportation. If you have questions about Virginia’s driver privilege cards or have other immigration issues, consulting with a knowledgeable Falls Church, VA immigration attorney can give you answers to your questions and the help you need.
What Is a Driver Privilege Card, and What Are the Requirements?
Virginia driver privilege cards are credentials for non-U.S. citizens who are Virginia residents but who cannot meet the legal requirements for a REAL ID or standard driver’s license. Driver privilege cards are not federal IDs and cannot be used for voting or boarding an airplane. These cards allow eligible individuals to legally drive in the state by meeting the same application and testing requirements as a standard license. The requirements include:
- The applicant must be a resident of Virginia.
- The applicant must be at least 16 years and three months old.
- The applicant must not have a revoked or suspended driver’s license in any other state.
- The applicant must have reported income from Virginia sources or been claimed as a dependent on a Virginia tax return within the past 12 months.
What is the Process for Obtaining a Driver Privilege Card
The process for obtaining a driver privilege card is similar to the process for obtaining a regular driver’s license in the state. The applicant must have proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS for certain resident and nonresident aliens, their spouses, and their dependents.
It is a nine-digit number that begins with the number 9 and is formatted like a Social Security number. To obtain an ITIN, Form W-7 must be submitted with a valid federal tax return and supporting identification documents. The application package can be mailed to the IRS, the applicant can go through a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or he or she can use an authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent approved by the IRS to verify identity and submit the application package.
Once an ITIN is obtained, the individual must complete a state-approved driver education program and pass both the written knowledge exam and the DMV road skills test. The driver privilege card then allows the undocumented Virginia driver to legally drive in Virginia. Having a driver privilege card cannot be used as proof of lawful status in immigration proceedings. Under this administration, there remains a risk of exposure during traffic stops when immigration status is an issue.
Contact a Prince William County, VA Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a loved one are undocumented in Virginia and want to apply for a driver privilege card, it is important to speak to a Falls Church, VA immigration lawyer from The Estevez Group, PC to be sure that application will not affect your immigration status. Attorney Estevez can guide you through the process, explain the risks, and ensure your rights are protected. He is available 24/7 and works tirelessly to help people in crisis. Attorney Estevez also works as a guardian ad litem and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Call 703-202-1660 to schedule your free consultation.
