Question: I’ve got an H-4 visa, but I’d like to get a driver’s license in case I need some back-up ID. What’s the process for getting a driver’s license with an H-4 visa?
Answer: If you hold an H-4 visa, the process for getting a driver’s license is similar to that for US citizens—you’ll just need to present slightly different paperwork as proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you’re in the US lawfully. Instead of presenting your Social Security Number, you may need to prove or assert that you’re ineligible for one.
Each state has slightly different requirements for noncitizen licenses. Let’s look at Texas as an example.
SSN alternatives for H-4 visa holders
In Texas, if you don’t have an SSN, you’ll complete a Social Security Number Affidavit when you apply for your license. By signing this form, you swear that you’ve never received an SSN.
Note that in some states, you must provide a Letter of Ineligibility from your state’s Social Security Administration office to bypass the SSN requirement for a driver’s license. There’s no specific process to receive an ineligibility letter—for example, you may need to mail in a request form or apply in person at an office with a passport and other documentation—so you’ll need to ask your local office what they require. You can find a SSA office using this locator.
Once you receive the Letter of Ineligibility, you typically have a limited time to apply for your driver’s license, often 30 or 60 days.
Proof of lawful presence and identity: Your H-4 visa and passport
According to the Texas Department of Safety (DPS), you’ll also need proof of identity and proof that you’re present lawfully in the US to apply for a driver’s license. If you have an H-4 visa, your current foreign passport with your visa attached and a valid I-94 will satisfy both requirements. In most cases, your documents will be verified instantly through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE Program. Refer to this brochure for a full list of acceptable documents.
Proof of residency
In Texas, you’ll also need proof of residency to apply for a license. To do that, you can bring two printed documents from the list provided here—such as a mortgage statement or utility bill—to your appointment. Both should include your name and address.
Proof of registration and insurance
Texas requires you to show evidence of current Texas Vehicle Registration and insurance coverage for each vehicle you own. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can attest this in a written statement.
Additional advice from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The above documents should qualify you for a driver’s license in Texas and many other states, but if you have an H-4 visa, you may run into verification issues. According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement fact sheet Applying for a Driver’s License or State Identification Card, dependents should go to the DMV with the primary status holder and be prepared to present the primary status holder’s documents as well.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
