How Can You Get Car Insurance as an Undocumented Immigrant?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Getting car insurance as an undocumented immigrant can feel confusing. Still, the rules are usually simpler than they sound. If you can legally get a driver’s license in your state (or you have another qualifying legal status), you can typically buy car insurance like anyone else.

This guide explains how undocumented immigrants can get car insurance, which states offer licenses regardless of immigration status, what documents insurers may accept, and what to do if your state won’t issue you a license.

1. Licensing Is the Key to Getting Insured: Most insurers require a valid driver’s license (or driving privilege license) for the person who will be driving the vehicle.
2. 19 States + D.C. Offer Licenses Regardless of Immigration Status: If you live in one of these locations, you can often get licensed and buy car insurance like any other resident.
3. No SSN Doesn’t Always Stop You: Some insurers accept alternatives (like an ITIN), but documentation requirements vary—shopping multiple quotes matters.
4. Driving Uninsured Can Get Expensive Fast: Tickets, fees, and major out-of-pocket costs after a crash are common—minimum coverage is often better than none when you can legally drive.

Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Car Insurance?

In most cases, insurance companies want to see that the person who will be driving has a valid license. That usually means a state-issued driver’s license (or “driving privilege” license) that allows you to drive legally in that state.

If you don’t have a license, you may still be able to insure a vehicle in some situations (for example, if a licensed family member is the primary driver), but it depends on the insurer and the state. Here’s a deeper look at how auto insurance works without a driver’s license.

Step 1: Get a Driver’s License or Driving Privilege License (If Your State Allows It)

As of 2026, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws allowing residents to apply for a driver’s license (or driving privilege card) regardless of immigration status. These licenses are typically marked “Not for Federal Purposes” and can’t be used for federal ID (like boarding domestic flights), but they usually allow you to drive legally and buy car insurance.

States (and D.C.) that offer licenses regardless of immigration status include:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• District of Columbia

Rules and documentation requirements vary by state, so check your DMV’s website before you apply. Many states require proof of identity and state residency, and some require proof you’ve filed state taxes (often using an ITIN).

What If Your State Does Not Offer Licenses to Undocumented Residents?

If your state does not issue licenses regardless of immigration status, you generally cannot legally drive there without another type of lawful presence that qualifies you for a standard license. Some people ask about using a foreign license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is typically meant for short-term visitors, and insurer acceptance varies, but you can learn more about international driving permit (IDP) insurance.

Important: even if you find an insurer willing to write a policy, driving without a valid license can create major problems after a crash (coverage disputes, citations, or vehicle impound). If you’re unsure what’s legal where you live, start with your DMV’s requirements and ask an insurer what they need in writing.

DACA and Car Insurance

If you have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), you can typically qualify for a driver’s license in any state because you can obtain work authorization and other documentation commonly accepted by DMVs. However, DACA rules have changed over time due to ongoing litigation, so always confirm your eligibility and renewal status directly with USCIS before making plans.

Step 2: Compare Car Insurance Quotes and Ask About Accepted Documents

Once you have a valid license, shopping for car insurance works the same as it does for anyone else: compare quotes, choose liability limits, and add coverage (like comprehensive and collision) if you want more protection.

When you apply, insurers may ask for:

• Driver’s license number (state license or driving privilege license)
• Vehicle information (VIN, mileage, garaging address)
• Your driving history (tickets, accidents, prior coverage)
• Social Security number or an alternative (some companies accept an ITIN instead)

If you’re new to U.S. insurance, limited U.S. driving/insurance history can raise rates. That’s because your driving history can affect your insurance rates, and many insurers treat limited history similarly to a new driver profile. If you’re just getting started, you may have better luck with carriers known for serving newer drivers—see our list of top auto insurance companies for new drivers.

What Coverages Do Undocumented Drivers Typically Need?

Coverage options don’t change based on immigration status. The main question is what your state requires and what protection you want beyond the minimum.

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: Helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property (like their vehicle or fence).
• Collision Coverage: Helps repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault (subject to your deductible).
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps cover non-crash losses like theft, hail, vandalism, or animal damage (subject to your deductible).
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Helps protect you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance—or not enough.

Discounts Undocumented Immigrants Can Still Qualify For

Insurance companies don’t offer a discount specifically for being undocumented. But you can still lower your bill with common discounts—especially if you shop around and keep your record clean.

Some of the most useful savings options include:

• Bundling: Pairing auto with another policy (like renters or homeowners) can reduce your premium—learn how bundling auto and homeowners insurance can save money.
• Good driver savings: Many carriers offer a discount for clean records—see how the good driver discount works.
• Claims-free savings: Staying claim-free may unlock additional savings—here’s what to know about the claims-free discount.

For more ways to save (including telematics, pay-in-full, and multi-car discounts), see our complete guide to the best auto insurance discounts.

Low-Income Options (Including California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance)

If cost is the biggest barrier, start with state-specific programs and discount strategies. We cover multiple low-income auto insurance options in the U.S., including California’s program.

California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) is designed to help eligible drivers meet minimum liability requirements at a lower annual cost (premiums vary widely by county and driver profile). If you’re considering it, here’s a breakdown of whether the CLCA program is legit and how it works.

Why Driving Insured Matters

Driving without insurance is risky for everyone on the road. Nationwide, uninsured driving remains a real issue—meaning even safe drivers can get stuck paying out of pocket after a crash.

If you’re caught without proof of coverage, the consequences can be expensive. Penalties vary by state, but tickets, fees, and even license suspensions are common—see how much a ticket for no proof of insurance can cost. And if you crash while uninsured, the financial fallout can be severe—here’s what to expect after an accident without insurance.

Final Word: Car Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants can often get car insurance—but the key is having a valid license that allows you to drive legally in your state. If you live in one of the states (or D.C.) that issues licenses regardless of immigration status, your path is usually straightforward: get licensed, compare quotes, and choose coverage.

If your state won’t issue a license, be careful: you may find insurance options in limited situations, but driving without a valid license can create serious legal and financial problems. When in doubt, talk to your DMV and an insurer directly so you don’t end up paying for a policy that won’t protect you when you need it most.

FAQs on Car Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants