Car Insurance with an ITIN: What You Can Do and What Depends on Your State

Short answer: yes, there are companies that sell car insurance to people with an ITIN and no Social Security number, but not all of them do, and the rule changes by company and by state. What almost always matters more than the ITIN is having a valid license or driving credential. That's why this guide separates two questions a lot of people mix up: who will sell you the insurance, and who will give you the license.

What an ITIN is, and what it isn't

An ITIN is an identification number the IRS gives to people who have to file taxes in the United States but don't qualify for a Social Security number. The IRS is clear about it: ITINs are for federal tax purposes only. They don't prove your identity outside the tax system, they don't change your immigration status, and they don't give you permission to work.

That explains why an ITIN doesn't work like a pass for everything. In insurance, some companies accept it as an identification number. It does not replace a driver's license.

Insurance and a license are two different things

Insurance is a contract between you and a company. Each company decides what information it asks for before selling you a policy.

The license comes from the state, and every state has its own rules about which documents it accepts and whether it asks for proof of legal presence.

Many companies ask for a valid license to insure a driver, even when they don't ask for a Social Security number. So for a lot of people, the hardest step isn't the insurance, it's the license. Start there.

What insurance companies usually ask for

The basics are your full name, date of birth, address, license number and the car's VIN. Many companies use the Social Security number to pull your driving record and, in most states, your credit score, which feeds into the price. When there's no Social Security number, some companies accept an ITIN or a passport instead. Others don't.

In practice, that means three things:

• You have to shop around. If one company says no, that doesn't mean they all will. The next one might say yes.
• An independent agent can save you time. They work with several companies and know which ones accept an ITIN in your state.
• The price can be higher. If the company has less information about you, or you have no US driving history, it treats you like a new driver, and that raises the premium. Our [new driver cost guide](/guides/car-insurance-for-new-drivers) breaks down what that looks like.

States that issue licenses without asking for proof of immigration status

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that let people without legal immigration status get a license or a driving card:

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

Two important clarifications:

Not all of them issue the same thing. Utah, Virginia and Delaware issue a driving privilege card, which is not a standard license. In Utah and Delaware, the card can't be used as identification. Minnesota marks the license as not valid for federal identification.

Some ask for proof of residency or taxes. Utah asks for a tax identification number if you don't have a Social Security number, plus six months of residency. Virginia asks for Virginia income or that you were claimed as a dependent on a tax return. Delaware asks that you filed a state tax return. Colorado may ask for state tax returns. This is where the ITIN usually comes in, because it's the number many people use to file their taxes.

This list comes from an NCSL summary last updated in March 2023, and these laws get debated often. Virginia, for example, changed its card in 2026 so it stays valid longer. Before you go to the DMV, confirm the current rules on your state's official site, which ends in .gov. Our state rules page links out to each one.

If you have a license from another country

Some companies accept a valid foreign license, and sometimes ask for a passport, proof of address or an international driving permit. What each one accepts depends on your home country. States also limit how long you can drive on a foreign license, so if you're staying in the country, you'll need to get a license from the state where you live. Check the deadline with your state's DMV.

How to get a lower price

• Compare several quotes. Every company uses its own formula, and the difference between one and another can be big.
• Ask about discounts. Good student, bundling with another policy, driving courses and safe driving programs can all bring the price down.
• Keep your record clean. No tickets and no claims means the premium drops over time.
• Don't let the policy lapse. A [gap in coverage](/blog/non-owner-car-insurance-the-fix-for-the-gap-nobody-warns-you-about) makes the next policy harder to get and can raise the price.

What happens if you drive without insurance

In most states, liability insurance is required. Driving without it can mean fines, suspension of the car's registration or your license, and, if you cause an accident, paying for the damage out of pocket. If someone gets hurt, those costs can be enormous. A basic policy costs far less than a single accident with no coverage.

Watch out for notarios and offers that sound too good

People looking for help in Spanish with paperwork sometimes run into someone who promises to fix everything for a fee. Consumer protection agencies warn about notario fraud, and the warning signs apply to insurance too:

• Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees you'll be approved. Nobody can promise that.
• Don't hand over original documents like your passport or birth certificate.
• Don't sign blank forms.
• Pay the insurance company directly, and ask for a receipt and a written copy of your policy.
• Don't pay cash without a receipt.
• Check that the site is official. Government sites end in .gov.
• Confirm your agent is licensed. Every state has a department of insurance where you can check whether a person is allowed to sell insurance.

Only a lawyer or an accredited representative can give immigration advice. An insurance agent helps with insurance, and a translator helps with the language, but neither one can give you legal advice.

Common questions

Can I buy car insurance with just an ITIN?

Some companies accept it, but almost all of them also ask for a valid license. It depends on the company and the state.

Does insurance give me the right to drive?

No. Insurance covers damage and injuries. The license is what lets you drive legally.

What information will they ask me for?

Each company decides what information it asks for and how it uses it. Ask what it needs and what for before you hand over your data. The ITIN by itself doesn't change or prove your immigration status.

Does insurance cost more with an ITIN?

It can cost more if the company has less information about you or can't see a US driving history. Comparing quotes is the best way to shrink the difference.

The bottom line

An ITIN isn't a license, and it isn't an automatic obstacle to getting insurance either. Start by finding out whether your state lets you get a license with the documents you have, compare several companies, and ask each one what information it needs. And if someone promises you a guaranteed result for a fee, walk away.