Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by admin
Yes, you can buy car insurance in the United States using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN). Major insurers including Progressive, GEICO, The General, State Farm, and Infinity accept an ITIN as valid identification. The IRS issues this nine-digit number to people who must file U.S. taxes but do not qualify for an SSN, including non-resident aliens, undocumented immigrants, foreign students, and certain dependents.
Federal law does not require an SSN to buy a private auto insurance policy. What every state does require is a valid driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility. As of 2026, 19 states plus Washington, D.C. issue driver’s licenses without requiring an SSN: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
To get covered with an ITIN, you typically need three things:
- A valid U.S. driver’s license, learner’s permit, or in some cases a foreign license
- Your ITIN (or proof you are ineligible for an SSN)
- Vehicle details such as VIN, make, model, year, and garaging address
Rates for ITIN holders start around $68 per month with carriers like Progressive and The General. ITIN-only applicants sometimes pay 10 to 25 percent more than SSN holders because insurers cannot pull a full credit-based insurance score in every state.
What Is an ITIN and Why Do Insurers Accept It?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. It always begins with the digit 9 and follows the same XXX-XX-XXXX format as an SSN. The IRS created the ITIN so people without work authorization can still meet U.S. tax obligations.
Insurers accept the ITIN because it serves the same identity-verification purpose as an SSN for most underwriting tasks. With an ITIN, a carrier can confirm your legal identity through IRS records, match your driving record across state DMV systems, pull a limited credit-based insurance score in some states, and process claims paperwork. The ITIN does not authorize work and does not affect immigration status. The IRS keeps ITIN information confidential and does not share it with immigration enforcement under federal law (Internal Revenue Code Section 6103).
Who Typically Uses an ITIN for Car Insurance?
People who commonly buy auto coverage with an ITIN include undocumented immigrants who hold a state driver’s license, lawful permanent residents who have not yet received an SSN, foreign students on F-1 or J-1 visas, spouses and dependents of U.S. visa holders, long-term visitors who file U.S. tax returns, and non-resident investors who own property in the United States. If you fall into any of these groups and you have a valid driver’s license, you almost certainly qualify for at least one major insurance carrier.
Is It Legal to Drive With an ITIN-Based Policy?
Yes, it is fully legal. Auto insurance is regulated by each state’s Department of Insurance, not by federal immigration agencies. Once your insurer accepts your ITIN and issues a binding policy, you carry the same legal coverage as any SSN-holding driver.
However, car insurance is only valid if you also hold a valid driver’s license in the state where you live. Driving without a license, even with insurance, can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges.
Drivers in states that do not issue licenses without an SSN have a few practical options: drive with a license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit, list a licensed family member as the primary driver and yourself as an excluded driver, or consider non-owner car insurance until you secure a state license. Always confirm requirements with your state DMV before buying a policy, since rules update yearly.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Car Insurance With an ITIN
Buying coverage with an ITIN follows the same general process as a regular policy, with a few extra documentation steps.
Step 1: Get your driver’s license. Visit your state DMV and ask which documents satisfy the SSN exemption. Most ITIN-friendly states accept a foreign passport with a valid visa, a consular ID card, a foreign driver’s license, proof of state residency, or a signed affidavit declaring you are not eligible for an SSN.
Step 2: Apply for an ITIN if you do not have one. Use IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Attach a federal tax return (with limited exceptions) and original identity documents such as a passport. You can apply by mail, in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or through a Certified Acceptance Agent for faster turnaround. Processing takes seven to eleven weeks by mail.
Step 3: Gather your information. Have ready your driver’s license number and expiration, your ITIN, date of birth and address, the VIN, make, model, year, and mileage of your vehicle, and license details of household drivers.
Step 4: Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Never accept the first quote. Rates vary widely between carriers. Use both an independent comparison site and direct insurer websites to widen your options.
Step 5: Choose coverage and bind the policy. Review your declarations page carefully. Confirm your name spelling matches your ITIN and license, the garaging address is correct, coverage limits meet state minimums, and any discounts you qualify for appear on the quote. Pay the first premium, receive your insurance ID cards, and store digital and paper copies in your car.
Top Insurance Companies That Accept ITIN Numbers
Not every carrier accepts an ITIN. The following providers consistently issue policies to ITIN holders nationwide. Rates listed represent typical starting monthly premiums for liability-only coverage based on industry data from 2026.
Insurance Company | Accepts ITIN | Starting Monthly Rate | Best For |
Progressive | Yes | $68 | Online quotes, multilingual support |
GEICO | Yes | $82 | Lowest full-coverage rates |
The General | Yes | $75 | High-risk and new drivers |
State Farm | Yes (varies by agent) | $90 | In-person service, bundling |
Infinity Insurance | Yes (specialty) | $85 | ITIN holders, Spanish service |
Allstate | Yes (varies) | $110 | Strong claims service |
SafeAuto | Yes | $70 | Minimum-coverage focus |
Direct Auto | Yes | $78 | Non-standard policies |
Bristol West | Yes | $95 | High-risk drivers |
Kemper Auto | Yes | $80 | Specialty market |
Rates above are illustrative averages. Your actual rate depends on age, driving record, ZIP code, vehicle type, coverage level, and credit history (where allowed).
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost With an ITIN?
Most ITIN-based policies cost slightly more than identical SSN policies because some insurers cannot run a full credit-based insurance score. The gap typically ranges from 5 to 25 percent. In four states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan), insurers cannot use credit scores at all, so ITIN holders see no credit-related pricing penalty.
Average ITIN-Holder Premiums by Coverage Type
Coverage Type | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
State-minimum liability | $68 to $95 | $816 to $1,140 |
Standard liability ($50/100/50) | $95 to $135 | $1,140 to $1,620 |
Full coverage (liability + comp + collision) | $145 to $220 | $1,740 to $2,640 |
Full coverage with high limits | $200 to $310 | $2,400 to $3,720 |
Average Premiums in Top ITIN-Friendly States
State | Avg. Monthly Liability | Avg. Monthly Full Coverage |
California | $90 | $185 |
New York | $98 | $215 |
New Jersey | $105 | $225 |
Illinois | $80 | $165 |
Washington | $78 | $160 |
Nevada | $92 | $195 |
Maryland | $100 | $205 |
Connecticut | $95 | $200 |
Colorado | $85 | $175 |
Oregon | $82 | $170 |
Premium Comparison: ITIN vs SSN Holder
Driver Profile | SSN Holder | ITIN Holder | Difference |
25-year-old, clean record, sedan | $1,420/year | $1,650/year | +16% |
35-year-old, clean record, SUV | $1,520/year | $1,780/year | +17% |
45-year-old, one ticket, sedan | $1,610/year | $1,920/year | +19% |
55-year-old, clean record, sedan | $1,260/year | $1,415/year | +12% |
30-year-old, California (no credit use) | $1,580/year | $1,580/year | 0% |
The takeaway: rates equalize in credit-restricted states, and they narrow the longer your insurance history grows. After three years of continuous, claim-free coverage, most ITIN holders pay nearly the same as SSN holders.
States Where You Can Drive With an ITIN-Based License
The 19 states plus Washington, D.C. that issue licenses without requiring an SSN as of 2026 each typically accept an ITIN, an affidavit of SSN ineligibility, or both.
State | Document Accepted in Place of SSN |
California | Foreign passport plus proof of residency (AB 60) |
Colorado | ITIN or affidavit |
Connecticut | Letter from SSA or ITIN (drive-only license) |
Delaware | ITIN or affidavit |
Hawaii | ITIN or proof of legal presence |
Illinois | ITIN or letter from SSA (temporary visitor’s license) |
Maryland | ITIN or two proofs of residency |
Massachusetts | ITIN or proof of identity |
Minnesota | ITIN or proof of identity |
Nevada | ITIN or proof of residency |
New Jersey | ITIN or affidavit (6-point ID system) |
New Mexico | ITIN or affidavit |
New York | Affidavit plus foreign documents |
Oregon | ITIN or proof of residency |
Rhode Island | ITIN or affidavit |
Utah | ITIN (driving privilege card) |
Vermont | ITIN or affidavit (driver privilege card) |
Virginia | ITIN (driver privilege card) |
Washington | Affidavit |
Washington, D.C. | ITIN or affidavit (limited purpose license) |
If your state is not on this list, your options narrow but do not disappear. You can still buy non-owner coverage, named-driver coverage, or insurance tied to a vehicle you co-own with a licensed family member. Always confirm with the DMV directly because legislation changes each session.
What Documents Do Insurers Ask For?
Be ready to provide your ITIN issuance letter, a valid driver’s license, a passport, proof of residency, your vehicle title or registration, the VIN, and any prior insurance declarations page. Some insurers also ask for a recent tax return showing your ITIN, especially for higher liability limits or full coverage on a financed vehicle. If your car has a lien, the lender will require you to list them on the policy as the loss payee.
How to Lower Your ITIN Car Insurance Rate?
Insurers reward responsible drivers regardless of identification number. Apply these strategies to bring premiums down:* Choose a higher deductible (going from $250 to $1,000 can cut comprehensive premiums 15 to 25 percent)
- Bundle auto with renters or homeowners coverage
- Take a state-approved defensive driving course
- Install a telematics device or use a usage-based program
- Pay annually instead of monthly (saves 5 to 10 percent in installment fees)
- Maintain continuous coverage for at least six months
- Drive a vehicle in lower insurance groups
- Keep mileage low if you drive less than 7,500 miles per year
- Ask about discounts for good students, defensive drivers, multi-car households, and homeowners
If you currently pay more than $200 per month for state-minimum coverage, comparison shopping with at least three carriers usually finds a better deal. You may also benefit from reviewing the process of getting car insurance before signing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
ITIN holders sometimes face avoidable problems when shopping for coverage. Watch for these:Buying from unlicensed agents. Verify any agent or carrier through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners directory at content.naic.org/consumer. Unlicensed sellers sometimes target Spanish-speaking communities with fake policies.
Skipping liability minimums. Every state sets a minimum liability requirement. Driving below it triggers fines, license suspension, and personal liability for any damage you cause. Review the factors that affect car insurance rates before choosing limits.
Letting coverage lapse. Even a one-day lapse can raise your renewal rate 15 to 30 percent. If you sell a car, transfer the policy or buy non-owner coverage right away.
Mismatched names. Your insurer must see the exact same legal name on your ITIN, license, and vehicle title. Inconsistent spelling or middle initials can delay claims.
Cash-only walk-in shops. Some neighborhood agencies push monthly cash payments and skip standard paperwork. Always demand a declarations page and a policy number you can verify online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. Most insurers require at least a learner’s permit or a foreign license backed by an International Driving Permit. A handful of specialty carriers offer non-owner policies for vehicles you own but do not personally drive, but these cost more and have fewer benefits. Getting your driver’s license should always come before shopping for insurance.
No. Private insurers do not share customer data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The IRS keeps ITIN information confidential under federal law, and state insurance departments enforce strict consumer privacy rules. Your ITIN is used for identity verification only.
Yes, in 19 states plus Washington, D.C. where licenses are available without an SSN. After receiving a license, you can buy a policy from any carrier that accepts an ITIN. Coverage protects you the same way it protects citizens.
Initial rates may run 5 to 25 percent higher than SSN-based quotes because some insurers cannot run a full credit check. After 12 to 36 months of continuous, claim-free coverage, the rate gap typically narrows. In states that ban credit scoring entirely, ITIN status causes no rate difference at all.
Your insurance pays out exactly as it would for any SSN policyholder. File a police report, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and contact your insurer within 24 to 72 hours. Coverage limits, deductibles, and claim handling do not change based on which identification number is on file.### Can I switch from an ITIN policy to an SSN policy after getting a Social Security number?
Yes. Notify your insurer in writing that you have received an SSN and provide a copy of the card. The insurer updates your file and may rerun your credit-based insurance score, which often lowers your premium at the next renewal. Coverage continues uninterrupted, and your loyalty discounts carry over.
Final Thoughts
Getting car insurance with an ITIN is straightforward once you know the rules. You need a valid driver’s license, an ITIN, and a willingness to compare quotes from at least three carriers. Major insurers including Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, The General, and Infinity all accept ITIN identification, and rates remain competitive in most states. After your first year of continuous coverage, you typically pay close to standard SSN-holder rates.
Insurance laws vary by state and change every legislative session. Always confirm requirements with your state DMV and consult a licensed insurance provider before binding a policy. For trustworthy quote comparisons across multiple licensed carriers, Alias Insurance helps drivers across the United States find ITIN-friendly policies that match real budgets and real driving needs.
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