International Students And Real Id: What's The Deal?

International students in the US may be eligible to apply for a Real ID, which is a national set of standards rather than a national identification card. The requirements vary depending on the state, but generally, international students must provide proof of their residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and rental lease agreement. They must also prove their identity and age, which can be done with a valid passport. Some states may also require documents verifying that the individual entered the US legally, such as a student visa. From May 7, 2025, a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a nuclear power plant, or access a federal facility.

International students can request a Real ID when applying for a driver's license

To obtain a Real ID, international students must provide the necessary documentation to prove their identity, age, and residency in the state. This typically includes a valid passport, visa, and proof of residency, such as a rental lease agreement or bank statement. Some states may require specific forms, such as Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the student is on OPT or STEM OPT. It is recommended to check with the relevant state authorities for the exact requirements.

Obtaining a Real ID can be advantageous for international students as it serves as a valid form of identification within the US. Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required for certain activities, such as boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing nuclear power plants. Without a Real ID, individuals will need to present an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, for these purposes.

It is worth noting that a Real ID is not required for all situations. For international travel, including border crossings and international sea cruises, a passport or other specified documents are still necessary. Additionally, some states may have different requirements or exceptions for obtaining a Real ID. For example, California requires individuals to be legally present in the US to be eligible for a Real ID-compliant card.

International students should carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by their state's licensing agency to ensure they have the correct documentation when applying for a Real ID. By preparing the necessary documents and understanding the purpose and benefits of a Real ID, international students can successfully obtain this form of identification, facilitating their travel and identification needs within the US.

International students must provide proof of residency in the state

International students can obtain a Real ID driver's license. To do so, they must present two different types of documents showing proof of residency in the state. These documents must contain the applicant's full name and a residential address located in the state. Examples of such documents include a tuition bill, a rental lease agreement, a bank statement, a cell phone bill, or a utility bill.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a Real ID may vary slightly depending on the state. For example, in Indiana, applicants must provide proof of paying Indiana income taxes for the current or immediate prior year and have current motor vehicle title and registration records. Therefore, international students should always check the specific requirements for their state before applying.

In addition to proof of residency, international students must also provide proof of their legal US presence. This can be done by presenting an original copy of their US visa, a signed Form I-20 (for F1 students) or DS-2019 (for J1 students), and their I-94 travel record.

It is worth mentioning that starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for certain activities, such as boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. However, a REAL ID will not be required for international travel or sea cruise travel, and a passport can still be used as a valid form of identification.

International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine the expiration date of their driver's license

While the exact procedure for obtaining a driver's license may vary slightly across different states, the general steps for international students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas are quite similar in all 50 states. When applying for a driver's license as an international student, it is recommended to provide a valid passport to prove your identity and age. Most states require foreign individuals to provide documentation verifying their legal entry into the United States before issuing a driver's license.

International students can satisfy this requirement by providing specific documents, such as an original copy of their signed Form I-20 (for F-1 and M-1 students) or a signed Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students). Additionally, they may need to present their electronic Form I-94, which can be obtained from the US Customs and Border Protection website. An F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa, even if expired, is also typically required.

In some cases, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) may be necessary if the student is on OPT or STEM OPT. The EAD, along with Form I-20 or DS-2019, serves as proof of legal status and helps determine the driver's license expiration date. It is important to note that some state officials may not be aware that an I-20 endorsed for OPT or STEM OPT can be used as proof while the EAD is pending. Therefore, it is advisable to provide additional documentation, such as the Form I-797 Notice of Action.

International students intending to obtain a Real ID driver's license should be prepared to present two different types of documents proving their residency in the state. This could include a combination of documents like tuition bills, rental lease agreements, or bank statements, all of which must contain the individual's full name and residential address located in the state. It is worth noting that starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification will be required for certain activities, such as boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities.

International students must provide documents verifying they entered the US legally

International students can get a Real ID, but they must provide documents verifying they entered the US legally. The specific documents required vary depending on the student's visa status and state of residence. Here are the general requirements and guidelines for international students seeking to obtain a Real ID:

Firstly, international students must provide proof of their legal entry into the United States. This can be done by presenting an original copy of the required forms, including Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students). These forms should be signed and can be obtained from the student's academic institution. Additionally, students may need to present their electronic Form I-94, which can be downloaded from the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Secondly, students must establish their residency in the state where they are applying for the Real ID. This can be done by providing two different types of documents that display the student's full name and residential address within the state. Examples of such documents include tuition bills, rental lease agreements, and bank statements.

It is worth noting that some states may have additional or slightly different requirements for obtaining a Real ID. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to check with their specific state's motor vehicle department or the relevant government websites for detailed information regarding the required documents and application process.

Furthermore, international students should be aware that a Real ID is not required for identification at all times. Until May 7, 2025, other forms of identification, such as a standard driver's license or a passport, are still acceptable for domestic travel and entering certain federal facilities. However, starting from that date, a Real ID, or another acceptable form of identification, will be mandatory for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.

International students can use a Real ID for domestic travel, but not for international travel

International students in the US can obtain a Real ID, which will be useful for domestic travel. From May 7, 2025, all US state and territory residents will need to present a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, enter a nuclear power plant, or access a federal building. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas will need to present two different types of documents showing proof of residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement.

It is important to note that a Real ID is not a national identification card, and each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license. The purpose of the Real ID is to make identity documents more consistent and secure. While a Real ID is useful for domestic travel within the US, it cannot be used for international travel, including border crossings into Canada or Mexico, or for international sea cruises. For international travel, a passport is required, and non-US citizens should also bring necessary documentation, such as a permanent resident card, for re-entry to the US.

International students can apply for a Real ID, but they must be prepared to present the necessary documents, including proof of their identity and age when applying. This may include providing a valid passport, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-94, a student visa, or an employment authorization document. It is recommended to check the specific requirements for the state of residence, as some states may have additional or different requirements for obtaining a Real ID.

While a Real ID is not mandatory for domestic travel within the US, it can provide a convenient and secure form of identification for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain facilities. International students should consider the benefits of obtaining a Real ID for enhanced ease of travel and compliance with upcoming identification requirements. However, it is important to remember that a Real ID is not a substitute for a passport when travelling internationally, and the necessary documentation for re-entry to the US must be carried at all times.

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