Chapter 4: Visa Status and ITIN
When You Do Not Have a Social Security Number
Not every applicant has a Social Security Number, and California does not require one to get a license. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can apply to the IRS for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN serves the same identifying function on your DMV paperwork that an SSN would.
Non-Citizens with a Valid Visa
Non-citizens legally present in the United States on a valid visa are eligible to apply for a California driver license. You will need to bring your passport along with your current visa documentation to demonstrate lawful presence. Some visa categories carry additional documentation requirements, so it is worth checking the DMV's current list before your appointment if your status is anything other than a standard tourist or work visa.
AB 60 Licenses
California also issues a specific license type to residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the country at all, under state law AB 60. These licenses carry a distinguishing marker and cannot be used as federal ID, but they let otherwise-undocumented residents drive legally and carry insurance.