Car Insurance Without a Social Security Number

How to get a car insurance quote without an SSN

It is possible to get car insurance without a social security number — but availability may vary by location and insurance company. Finding auto insurance without a social security number is easier if you compare rates from multiple insurers, as some car insurance companies will be more lenient than others.

Let’s review a few tips for getting insurance without a social security number.

Why car insurance companies need your social security number 

Car insurance companies request potential customers' social security numbers because it is the easiest way to access vital information about the insured. Insurers use a driver's SSN to gather information such as their driving record, age, and marital status, each of which are important contributors to rates. While insurance companies can find this information by querying an applicant's name and address, having a driver's social security number on file simplifies the process. 

Insurers also use social security numbers when running credit reports to assess credit history. In most U.S. states, credit is a major determiner of how much insurance costs. A poor credit score may lead to a higher rate. 

Why a driver's license is required for car insurance

Auto insurance companies use applicants' drivers license information to run the driving history checks that influence rates, along with factors like driving history, location and vehicle type.

How to buy car insurance without providing a social security number

It's possible to get car insurance without a social security number, but availability varies from company to company. Some insurance companies only require a drivers license in order to obtain coverage. The tricky part is getting your license without a social security number. Most states require drivers have an SSN in order to obtain a license.

Unless you are a foreign citizen operating with a drivers license from your country of residence, you may struggle to find coverage in the U.S.

Driver's license without a social security number by state

Car insurance is regulated at the state level. As of 2021, 16 states allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain drivers licenses without a social security number. While a social security number is not necessarily a car insurance requirement, a drivers license is almost always necessary.

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.

Each of the states may have other insurance requirements, such as proof of a foreign driver's license or in-state tax returns. Some states allow drivers to apply for a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This route may be used by non-resident and resident aliens who do not have social security numbers.

Visit the IRS website to obtain an ITIN and contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on eligibility.

Finding car insurance without a social security number