The short answer is yes. You do not need a Social Security number to get car insurance in California. Your ITIN works. Your Matrícula Consular works. Your AB 60 license works. Here is exactly how.
This is the question we hear most often in our offices. People who need to drive to work, take their kids to school, go to the doctor — but believe that without a Social Security number they cannot have car insurance.
That is not true. And staying uninsured because of that belief is dangerous. If police pull you over without insurance, you can get a $100 to $500 fine. If you have an accident without insurance, you can owe tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance protects you — and California law gives you the right to have it.
California Insurance Code 11580.1b prohibits insurance carriers from denying coverage based on immigration status. This includes not having a Social Security number (SSN). The law is clear: your type of identification cannot be a reason to reject you.
Beyond that, California wants every driver to have insurance. An uninsured driver who causes an accident costs everyone money — the victim, hospitals, the legal system. That is why the state makes it possible for everyone to be insured.
The ITIN is your best tool for getting car insurance without an SSN. It is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS (format: 9XX-XX-XXXX) for people who need to pay taxes but do not qualify for Social Security.
Important facts about the ITIN:
If you do not have an ITIN, we recommend getting one. You can do this through a certified tax preparer (CAA — Certifying Acceptance Agent) or directly with the IRS.
The Matrícula Consular is an identification document issued by your country's consulate. Several carriers accept it as identification to issue a policy.
Under AB 60, any California resident can obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. This license is accepted by ALL auto insurance carriers in California. If you do not have an AB 60 license, we recommend getting one.
Your passport from your country of origin can serve as additional identification when applying for insurance.
No Social Security number? It does not matter. Come to Via Rapida Services with your ITIN, Matrícula Consular, or AB 60 license and we insure you the same day. No broker fees on standard policies.
Call 209-670-1556 Get a Quote OnlineNot all carriers handle things the same way, but these are the ones that work most with clients who use ITIN instead of SSN:
At Via Rapida Services we work with all these carriers and more. Our job is to find the company that accepts you with the documents you have and gives you the best price possible.
You need at least one of the following:
Plus you need: proof of address (utility/water/rental bill) and vehicle information (title, registration, or VIN).
Come to our office in Stockton, San Jose, or San Rafael, or call 209-670-1556. Everything in Spanish if you prefer.
We search among all carriers that accept your documents to find the best price. We present options clearly.
If you like the price, you sign, pay, and receive your insurance card immediately.
The price does not depend on whether you have SSN or ITIN — it depends on:
Typical ranges for drivers with ITIN in California:
We know a big fear is: "If I give my information, will they report me to immigration?" The answer is NO. Insurance carriers do not report to ICE. Read our complete article: Car Insurance Companies Do NOT Report to ICE.
Your insurance information is protected by state and federal privacy laws. The carrier uses your data solely to issue and administer your policy — nothing more.