For many people in the United States, a critical question arises when applying for auto coverage: does car insurance need social security number to be approved? This question is increasingly common among new immigrants, international students, temporary residents, and individuals who simply do not have a Social Security number (SSN).
While providing an SSN has become a standard step in most car insurance applications, it’s not always legally required. Many U.S. insurers offer alternative ways to verify identity and issue policies, making it possible for millions of people to insure their vehicles even without an SSN.
This detailed guide explains why insurers ask for SSNs, when they’re truly needed, the legal landscape in 2025, and how to get car insurance without one—while ensuring you stay fully compliant with state laws.
Why Insurers Ask for Social Security Numbers
Auto insurance companies in the U.S. request SSNs for three main reasons:
1. Identity Verification
Insurers use SSNs to confirm an applicant’s identity and reduce the risk of fraud. This step helps them comply with federal regulations under the U.S. Patriot Act and related financial laws.
2. Credit-Based Insurance Scoring
Most major insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to assess risk. Your credit history can influence how likely insurers believe you are to file a claim. By using your SSN, insurers can access your credit file and adjust your premiums accordingly.
3. Regulatory Compliance
While car insurance is regulated at the state level, insurers must follow federal identity verification rules. SSNs help them meet anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards.
However, none of these reasons legally require an SSN for coverage. Instead, insurers rely on the SSN for convenience. When an applicant doesn’t have one, alternative identifiers can often be used to meet these requirements.
Do You Legally Need an SSN to Buy Car Insurance?
The simple answer is no — in most U.S. states, you do not legally need to provide an SSN to purchase car insurance. Car insurance requirements are set at the state level, and no state explicitly mandates an SSN for coverage.
What matters most to insurers is whether they can:
- Verify your identity, and
- Access enough information to assess your risk as a driver.
This means that if you don’t have an SSN, you can still get insured by providing other forms of identification and documentation.
Accepted Alternatives to SSN for Car Insurance Applications
If you don’t have a Social Security number, insurers may accept the following:
- ✅ ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) – A number issued by the IRS for tax purposes, often accepted in place of an SSN.
- ✅ Passport – Many insurers use passports for identity verification, especially for international drivers.
- ✅ Foreign Driver’s License – Some companies accept foreign licenses if you have proof of residence or driving history.
- ✅ State-Issued Driver’s License or ID – Several states issue licenses to residents without SSNs.
- ✅ Other Government-Issued IDs – National IDs or consular identification cards may also work, depending on the insurer.
These alternatives allow insurers to comply with identification rules and underwrite policies, even without SSNs.
How SSNs Affect Premium Calculations
Although not legally required, SSNs often influence pricing because of their link to credit history. In most states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores as part of their premium calculations.
Here’s a simplified comparison:
| Applicant | SSN Provided | Credit-Based Pricing | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver A | Yes (Excellent Credit) | Applied | $1,120 |
| Driver B | No SSN (No Credit Data) | Not Applied | $1,460 |
| Driver C | Yes (Poor Credit) | Applied | $1,880 |
When you don’t provide an SSN, the insurer may not be able to check your credit. As a result, they typically place you in a “neutral” or “non-standard” pricing category, which can lead to slightly higher premiums.
However, other factors—like a clean driving record, vehicle type, or insurance history—can help offset this difference.
States That Allow Driver’s Licenses Without SSNs
One of the biggest advantages for drivers without SSNs is that several states now issue driver’s licenses or ID cards without requiring SSNs. These licenses are fully valid for insurance applications.
Here are a few examples:
| State | Program / Rule | License for Non-SSN Holders |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 60 Program | Yes — for undocumented residents and others |
| New Mexico | Alternative ID Program | Yes — widely accepted by insurers |
| Washington | Standard Driver’s License | Yes — regardless of immigration status |
| Illinois & Nevada | Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) | Yes — accepted by insurers |
These state-level programs have made it far easier for residents without SSNs to obtain legal driving credentials and buy insurance.
Insurers Known to Work With Non-SSN Applicants
Several major insurance companies have adapted their processes to work with applicants who don’t have SSNs. Policies vary by state, but here are some general trends:
- GEICO – Often accepts ITINs or passports, especially for international drivers.
- Progressive – Known for allowing applications without SSNs and using alternative identity checks.
- State Farm – Accepts ITINs in many states for driver verification.
- Allstate – Flexible in immigrant-heavy states with alternative ID programs.
- Regional Insurers – Smaller, local insurers often have more experience working with non-SSN applicants.
In many cases, applying in person or by phone gives better results than applying online, because agents can manually process alternative documentation.
How to Apply for Car Insurance Without an SSN
If you don’t have a Social Security number, applying for car insurance requires a few extra steps but is completely manageable:
- ✅ Gather Your Documents
Have your passport, ITIN, foreign or state driver’s license, and proof of address ready. - ✅ Contact Insurers Directly
Call or visit insurers that operate in your state and ask if they accept applications without SSNs. - ✅ Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary widely for non-SSN applicants, so compare options. - ✅ Apply Through an Agent
Working with a local insurance agent can simplify the process. - ✅ Provide Additional Information if Needed
Some insurers may ask for extra documentation to verify identity or driving history. - ✅ Finalize Your Policy and Make Payment
Once verified, you’ll receive the same legal coverage as any other driver.
Challenges You Might Encounter
While the process is legal and increasingly common, there are still some hurdles:
- Higher Premiums – Without SSN-linked credit checks, you might not receive the best pricing tiers.
- More Documentation – Insurers may ask for multiple forms of ID.
- Manual Verification – Some applications must be processed by agents rather than online.
- Limited Online Tools – Many insurers’ websites are not designed for non-SSN applications.
- State-by-State Differences – Acceptance of alternative IDs varies across the U.S.
Knowing these challenges beforehand helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother application process.
Why This Question Matters More in 2025
The question does car insurance need social security number has become more relevant in 2025 for several reasons:
- Increased immigration and international mobility: More people are living and driving in the U.S. without SSNs.
- State policy changes: More states now issue licenses to non-SSN holders.
- Insurer adaptation: Companies are expanding their underwriting methods to accommodate nontraditional applicants.
- Technological innovation: Identity verification methods are evolving, making SSNs less central than before.
These factors have created a more inclusive insurance landscape, though differences remain between states and insurers.
Tips to Lower Premiums Without SSNs
Even if you can’t provide an SSN, you can still manage your costs effectively:
- Keep a clean driving record—this is often the biggest factor after credit.
- Choose a vehicle that’s cheaper to insure, such as one with strong safety ratings.
- Bundle insurance policies, like auto and renters, to get multi-policy discounts.
- Pay your premium in full rather than monthly to avoid installment fees.
- Ask about alternative credit checks—some insurers use internal scoring systems or ITIN-based checks.
With careful planning, non-SSN drivers can often find competitive rates.
Impact on Coverage Types
Not having an SSN does not affect the type or quality of coverage you can receive. You’ll still have access to:
- Liability insurance (required in every state except New Hampshire)
- Comprehensive and collision coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments or personal injury protection, depending on state laws
The difference lies in how the insurer evaluates your risk, not the coverage itself.
Final Thoughts
So, does car insurance need social security number to be approved? The answer is no—not legally. While insurers prefer SSNs for credit and identity checks, they are not required by law in any U.S. state.
With alternatives like ITINs, passports, and state-issued IDs, millions of drivers legally insure their vehicles every year without SSNs. The process may require more documentation and possibly lead to higher premiums, but it’s fully possible and increasingly common.
If you’re applying without an SSN, be proactive: gather your documents, work with insurers familiar with alternative ID programs, and compare quotes carefully. With the right approach, you can get the coverage you need and stay on the road legally.
Three Short FAQs
Q: Is an SSN required by law to get car insurance in the U.S.?
A: No. No state legally requires an SSN to purchase car insurance.
Q: Can I use my ITIN instead of an SSN for car insurance?
A: Yes. Many insurers accept ITINs for identification and policy underwriting.
Q: Will not having an SSN make my insurance more expensive?
A: Possibly. Without credit-based pricing, premiums may be slightly higher, but other factors like driving history can help.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information on U.S. car insurance practices as of October 2025. Regulations and insurer policies may vary by state and company. Always verify specific requirements with your insurer.