Transportation (resource page)

There are different policies to keep in mind when considering driving and traveling options. We have compiled a list of key information and resources to help you learn about what it means to travel by car, public transportation, or plane as an undocumented student.

Please keep in mind that this resource page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional legal advice. It is important to consult with an experienced and trustworthy immigration representative or attorney to receive answers and support for specific legal questions. Additionally, the information provided is current to the publication of this resource page. Please be sure to verify any authenticity and trustworthiness of links prior to connecting with any resource.

“…In terms of transportation, there is a lot of transportation. Even if I don’t have a car, like I can still take the bus. I can still bike … I feel like it’s very versatile over here. Uber bus, car, walking, biking, anything.”
Ismael, undocumented college student in California

In this page, you will find information about the following:

Common Terminology

Border Patrol Checkpoint: a designated location where U.S. Border Patrol agents inspect vehicles for immigration violations, typically within 100 miles of the U.S. border.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): a federal program that allows eligible undocumented young adults to receive a renewable two-year work permit, relief from deportation, and in some states, access to a driver’s license.
Driver’s License: a document granted by a state or jurisdiction that permits an individual to drive a motor vehicle.
Federal Immigration Checkpoint: a location where federal immigration agencies, such as ICE or CBP conduct inspections and enforcement actions. This type of checkpoints are commonly found near U.S.-borders.
Proof of Residency: documents that verify an individual’s residence in a state, which are often required to obtain a driver’s license. Some examples of proof of residency include utility bills, bank statements, insurance documents, school records, medical bills or records, and lease or rental agreements, among others.
Red Card: a helpful document that undocumented individuals in the United States can use to remind them about their legal rights during encounters with immigration authorities or law enforcement.
Sanctuary State/City: a jurisdiction that has adopted policies limiting cooperation between law enforcement and immigration agencies.

Access to Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants (State-Level Policies)

Whether or not undocumented students, or undocumented immigrants more generally, have access to a driver’s license varies greatly by state. This is because states have taken different actions to either expand or restrict access to driver’s licenses based on immigration status. Below, we highlight information about the 19 states, and District of Columbia, that currently provide access to eligible undocumented immigrants to a driver’s license.
Please note that these policies are frequently changing so it is imperative that you check with organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Immigration Law Center, which frequently track changes on U.S. immigration policies and enforcement practices by state.

California

In California, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. As of 2015, Assembly Bill (AB) 60, also known as the Safe and Responsible Driver Act, allows undocumented individuals in California to apply for and obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through AB 60, please visit here.

Colorado

In Colorado, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2014, Senate Bill (SB)13-251, also called “the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act”, allows eligible undocumented individuals in Colorado to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through SB13-251, please visit here.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2015, Public Act (PA) 13-89 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Connecticut to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through PA13-89, please visit here.

Delaware

In Delaware, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driving Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2015, Senate Bill (SB) 59 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Delaware to obtain a DPC. For more information about obtaining a DPC through SB59, please visit here.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Limited Purpose Driver License. Enacted in 2016, House Bill (HB) 1007 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Hawaii to obtain a Limited Purpose Driver License. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through HB1007 please see here.

Illinois

In Illinois, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Temporary Vehicle’s Driver License (TVDL). Enacted in 2024, House Bill (HB) 3882 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Illinois to obtain a TVDL. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through HB 3882 please see here.

Maryland

In Maryland, undocumented individuals may qualify for a non-compliant driver’s license. Enacted in 2014, Senate Bill (SB) 715, also known as, the Maryland Highway Safety Act of 2023, allows eligible undocumented individuals in Maryland to obtain a non-compliant driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a non-compliant driver’s license through SB715, please see here.

Massachussetts

In Massachusetts, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2023, Senate Bill (SB) 2061 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Massachusetts to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through SB2061, please see here.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, House File (HF) 4, also known as Driver’s License for All, enables eligible undocumented individuals in Minnesota to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through HF4, please see here.

Nevada

In Nevada, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driving Privilege Card. Enacted in 2014, Senate Bill (SB) 303 allows eligible undocumented individuals in Nevada to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driving privilege card license through SB303, please see here.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2021, Assembly Bill (AB) 4743 allows eligible undocumented individuals in New Jersey to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a driver’s license through AB4743, please see here.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driving Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2016, House Bill (HB) 99 allows eligible undocumented individuals in New Mexico to obtain a driver’s license. For more information about obtaining a Driving Privilege Card through HB99, visit here.

New York

In New York, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 3675 allows for the issuance of a driver’s license to undocumented individuals. For more information on how to obtain a driver’s license through AB3765, please visit.

Oregon

In Oregon, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 2021, House Bill (HB) 2015, removes the requirement for people to prove legal presence when applying for a driver’s license. For more information on obtaining a driver’s license through HB2015 visit here.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driver Privilege Card. Enacted in 2023, Senate (S) 2006 removes the requirement for people to prove legal presence when applying for a Driver Privilege Card (DPC). For more information on how to obtain a DPC through S2006, visit here.

Utah

In Utah, undocumented individuals may qualify for a one-year Driving Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2005, Senate Bill (SB) 227 allows undocumented individuals to get a one-year Driving Privilege Card. For more information on how to obtain a DPC through SB227, please visit here.

Vermont

In Vermont, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driver’s Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2014, Vermont Senate Bill (SB) 38, sometimes also called Act 74, allows undocumented individuals and other eligible Vermont residents to apply for a Driver’s Privilege Card. For more information on how to obtain a DPC through SB38, please visit here.

Virginia

In Virginia, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driver Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2021, Senate Bill (SB) 34 gives the opportunity for undocumented individuals to receive a Driver Privilege Card. For more information on how to obtain a DPC through SB 34, visit here.

Washington

In Washington, undocumented individuals may qualify for a driver’s license. Enacted in 1993, House Bill (HB) 1444 allows undocumented individuals to obtain a driver’s license by showing alternate documentation to show proof of residency. For more information on how to obtain a driver’s license through HB 1444, please visit here.

Washington, DC

In Washington, DC, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Limited Purpose driver’s license through B20-0275. For more information on how to obtain a limited purpose driver’s license, please visit here.

Bus and Rail Passes

“Now that I’m living off-campus, I walk to the bus stop or I bike to the bus stop. And then the bus takes me to school. So it’s very easy. Definitely not challenging. The bus here is free, so as long as you have your student ID, transportation is free.”
Fatima, college student in California with a U-Visa

If you are a college student and commute to school, your college or university may offer bus passes for the local city buses at a discounted rate or for free. You may even be able to ride the local buses for free if you show your student ID. For example, if you are a student at the University of Texas Austin, you can ride the metro system in Austin for free if you show a student ID. Be sure to check your college or university’s website to see if they have any programs for getting free or discounted bus or metro passes.

“So the first year, because I couldn’t, I like was afraid to, like, get a flight to go back to the bay, I would often just like, take the Greyhound, or like a train or bus like alone…”
Brenda, undocumented college student in California

If you are a college student and commute to school, your college or university may also offer transportation passes. For example, if you are a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and commute to campus, you may be eligible for the Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit. This pass provides free access to any of the seven transit agencies serving the UCLA campus. To qualify, you must have a valid BruinCard ID and not hold an active UCLA parking permit.

“I think for me it’s east because the Amtrak does it all like the Amtrak takes me to Bakersfield, and then a bus stop to LA and I don’t think it’s that bad too.”
Teresa, college student in California with TPS

Traveling by Plane

Navigating airport security to board a plane can be complicated and stressful for undocumented individuals due to the stringent ID checks. Several organizations have created resource guides with advice about how to travel on a plane while undocumented. Please note that these resources are for informational purposes only and are not meant to replace professional help. This resource page is also not meant to constitute legal advice. It is always recommended that you reach out to trained and trustworthy legal professionals when in need.

Immigrants Rising, an organization that works with immigrant and undocumented communities, has a resource page regarding traveling by plane.

The National Immigration Law Center also created a helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page that features important information about REAL ID and DACA, including the implications of traveling within the United States by airplane with DACA. This includes a brief overview of the REAL ID Act, insights into whether DACA recipients qualify for a REAL ID or not, and more.

“…There’s like something called Zipcars that people on campus use when they don’t have cars. And it’s like a car rental program…”
Isabel, undocumented college student in California

You can also check in with the transportation office, Dream Center, or Basic Needs Center at your university to explore the resources available for undocumented students commuting to campus. They can provide more information on subsidized transit passes, ride-sharing programs, and other forms of transportation assistance tailored to your needs.

Some universities may offer free shuttle services to students to get to and from the subway. This is the case for the City College of New York. This college also offers what is called Access-A-Ride, which is accessible for CCNY enrolled students unable to use accessible mass transit.

Another transportation service that universities may offer is “safe rides”. Safe ride programs usually offer free or discounted transportation during late hours or during situations where safety might be a concern. For instance, Northwestern University offers free rides to students between campus and nearby off-campus locations during late hours.

To ensure the safety of students, especially during late-night hours, some universities partner with ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft to offer subsidized rides for students. For example, at the University of Florida (UF) the campus has Lyft Safe Rides, a program that provides discounted Lyft rides for students, particularly during late-night hours so students can be safe when traveling.

Some universities like the University of Southern California (USC) provide a carpool program that incentivizes students with lower parking rates and other benefits like free parking passes. If you have a vehicle, or a friend of yours has a vehicle, you may be able to apply for this carpool program that provides you with lower permit rates and up to 3 free parking passes per month.

Know Your Rights When Traveling by Car, Bus, or Plane

When traveling by car, bus, or plane as an undocumented individual it is helpful to know your legal rights. Please note that these resources are for informational purposes only and are not meant to replace professional help. This resource page is also not meant to constitute legal advice. It is always recommended that you reach out to trained and trustworthy legal professionals when in need.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides a plethora of resources and information on knowing your rights as an immigrant and or undocumented individual. In its webpage, ACLU breaks down common scenarios such as encounters with the police or immigration officers.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers a comprehensive community resource page that features tools like a “ Know Your Rights” section, assistance with locating legal experts in your area, and printable red cards with reminders about certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) provides a comprehensive “Know Your Rights” page for undocumented individuals which in part offers helpful information on how to respond if stopped by law enforcement, facing immigration enforcement at healthcare facilities, and during immigration raids. The page includes practical guidance to help individuals understand their rights and navigate these situations effectively.

Travel Abroad with Advance Parole

If you have DACA, you may be able to travel abroad outside the U.S. by applying for a program called “Advance Parole”. Please note that these resources are for informational purposes only and are not meant to replace professional help. This resource page is also not meant to constitute legal advice. It is always recommended that you reach out to trained and trustworthy legal professionals when in need.

Informed Immigrant, a national organization that provides information and resources to undocumented and immigrant communities, has a webpage about advance parole with information such as how to apply, eligibility to get advance parole, and when to apply.

Immigrants Rising, another organization that works with undocumented and immigrant communities created a webpage about advance parole with tips about funding your trip, preparing to travel, being abroad, and returning to the U.S. They also created a YouTube video that explains the process of traveling with advance parole.

My Undocumented Life, an online platform that provides up-to-date information and resources for undocumented students, also features resources related to advance parole, including stories from individuals who have traveled under advance parole, and programs for DACA recipients interested in traveling with advance parole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If I am undocumented, can I obtain a driver’s license? It depends on the state where you live. Some states allow individuals to obtain a driver’s license, driving privilege card, or a limited driver’s license. These licenses typically can’t be used for federal identification purposes but allow eligible undocumented immigrants to legally drive. States like California, Colorado, and New York offer such licenses. Visit this resource page maintained by the NCSL for more information on which states are offering driver’s licenses to undocumented individuals.
Can I travel in the U.S. by plane if I am undocumented? There are several considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether it is safe to travel by plane as an undocumented individual. This includes considerations around DACA and the REAL ID. We recommend checking out these resources compiled by Immigrants Rising and the National Immigration Law Center.
Is it safe to use public transportation like buses and trains? Generally, public transportation such as buses and trains is considered safe for undocumented individuals. However, there may be some areas with significant immigration enforcement activity especially near border areas.
What should I do if I am stopped by the police or immigration officers while traveling? It’s crucial to know your rights. Check out this article by the ACLU titled, ‘Know Your Rights,’ in the case of being stopped by a police officer. You might also be able to present a “Red Card” and ask to speak with a lawyer.

Last updated on: October 2024

Collection of resources & narrative: Daphne Ramirez