Driving Privilege Cards & ITIN

As of July 1, 2023, Rhode Islanders who can pass a written test and road test and have valid auto insurance but who do not have authorization to live in the U.S. (undocumented) can obtain a driver privilege card or driver privilege permit. 

How is this different from a driver's license?

Similarities:

• It costs the same amount of money

• It looks the same

• It can be used to drive in all other states

Differences:

• It cannot be used as an ID for federal purposes

• It cannot be used for state voting purposes

What Are the Requirements?

To be eligible for the driver privilege card/permit you must provide:  

1. Proof of Tax Verification

Provide proof that you filed a RI income tax return for 2025 or you were claimed as a dependent on a 2025 RI tax return

Note: In order to file state taxes, you must have an Identity Tax Information Number (ITIN), which may take several weeks from the time of submitting Federal Tax Returns. See VITA sites for further assistance

2. Proof of Identity

Provide proof of identity by submitting two primary documents. You can also submit one primary and one secondary document.

Examples of qualifying Primary Documents: a valid passport that has not expired or expired less than 5 years ago, an employment authorization document, a valid consular document, a refugee travel document (I-571), and a U.S. driver's license

Examples of qualifying Secondary Documents: an ITIN assignment letter, a foreign birth certificate, a foreign driver's license, a valid foreign national identification card, and certified U.S. school records or transcript

Visit the first page of this PDF for all qualifying primary and secondary documents: Requirements

3. Proof of Residency

Provide two documents showing that you live in Rhode Island Examples of qualifying Residency Documents: a personal check, bank statement, payroll check, or utility bill with the applicant’s name and address of residence dated within the past sixty (60) days; a W-2 form or a property tax bill with the applicant’s name and address of residence from the immediately preceding year; a homeowner’s, renter’s, or automobile insurance policy for the applicant’s home or apartment with the applicant’s name and address of residence that is currently in effect.

Visit the first page of this PDF for all residency documents: Requirements

Other Important Information

You do not need car insurance to obtain a Driving Privilege Card in Rhode Island. However, insurance is still required for all registered vehicles in Rhode Island.

For any applicant who needs translation services, the DMV has employees fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Creole, and Vietnamese who can provide in-house interpretation. Otherwise, the DMV will use electronic translators. Applicants are invited to bring their own translator.

Need More Information?

With the support of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Revenue, The Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island is currently offering presentations to organizations serving the immigrant community regarding the application process for both driving privilege cards and ITIN’s. Let us know if your organization would like for our representatives to speak to you about this essential program!