Janice Lozano
International students in the US may be able to obtain a Real ID, depending on their visa status and the state they are residing in. From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or older will need a Real ID to board a domestic US flight or enter a US federal building. International students applying for a Real ID will need to present two documents that prove their residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement. They will also need to provide a valid passport to prove their identity and age. It's important to note that some states, like Washington, only offer Real IDs to US citizens, so international students in these states will need to use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for a REAL ID | Depends on the state. International students are eligible to apply for a REAL ID in Pennsylvania. International students in Washington are not eligible for a REAL ID. |
| Documents required for REAL ID | Social security card, two documents to prove residency in the state, and documents to prove identity and age. |
| Alternative to REAL ID for domestic air travel | Passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can request a Real ID when applying for a driver's license
- International students must present two documents proving their residency in the state
- International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine the driver's license expiration date
- International students can use a valid passport or EAD for domestic air travel, as they are not eligible for Real IDs
- International students must present documents showing their current name and date of birth
International students can request a Real ID when applying for a driver's license
In California, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are authorized to apply for a Real ID upon presenting documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Real ID will expire on the same date as the individual's U.S. legal presence document. California law does not allow ID cards to be issued to individuals who are not legally present in the United States.
In Pennsylvania, lawfully present non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a Real ID driver's license or ID card. Applicants must present their original social security card or, if they do not have one, an original copy of their SSA ineligibility letter. Additionally, they must provide two documents to prove their Pennsylvania residency, such as a current, unexpired PA driver's license or photo ID card.
When applying for a U.S. driver's license, international students are typically given the option to obtain either a Real ID Driver's License or a Standard Driver's License. To prove their identity and age, international students should provide a valid passport. Most states require foreign individuals to provide documents verifying their legal entry into the United States before granting a state driver's license. For instance, F1 and M1 students need to provide an original copy of their signed Form I-20, while J1 students need to submit Form DS-2019. Expired visas are usually accepted.
International students should be prepared to present two different types of documents showing proof of residency in the state when applying for a Real ID. This could include a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, or bank statement, and these documents must contain the applicant's full name and residential address within the state.
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International students must present two documents proving their residency in the state
International students intending to obtain a Real ID driver's license should be prepared to present two different types of documents showing proof of their residency in the state. For example, a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement, or a tuition bill and a bank statement. These documents must contain the applicant's full name and a residential address located in the state.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, a non-US citizen must be lawfully present in the US to be eligible to apply for a REAL ID. They must present their social security card when applying for a REAL ID. If they do not have a social security number, they must provide an original copy of their SSA ineligibility letter. They will also need to provide two documents to prove their Pennsylvania residency. Examples of acceptable residency documents include a current, unexpired PA driver's license or photo ID card.
In California, a similar rule applies, where individuals who are not legally present in the United States are not allowed to be issued an ID card. However, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have been authorized to apply for a DL/ID. California also requires individuals to present two documents that contain their California physical address. Both documents must show the applicant's first and last names and the same address that is listed on the driver's license or identification card application.
International students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visas can satisfy the requirement to prove their identity and age when applying for a driver's license by providing a valid passport, an original copy of their signed Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or a signed Form DS-2019 (for J1 students), their electronic Form I-94, their F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa (expired visas are acceptable), or their employment authorization document (EAD) if they're on OPT or STEM OPT.
It is important to note that the requirements and eligibility for obtaining a REAL ID may vary from state to state, and international students should refer to the specific guidelines provided by their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
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International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine the driver's license expiration date
International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine the expiration date of their driver's license. An EAD, or Employment Authorization Document, is used to verify an individual's identity and employment authorization.
F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may seek off-campus employment after that. F-1 students must obtain an EAD from USCIS before they can be authorized to work. The EAD establishes their identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes, and the card information, including the number and expiration date, is entered under List A in Section 2 of Form I-9.
M-1 students can only accept employment as part of a practical training program after they have completed their course of study. They must receive an EAD to begin working and can only work for a maximum of six months.
When applying for a driver's license, a state official will use the information on an individual's Form I-20 or DS-2019 to verify their status in the US. The end date shown on these forms, or on an EAD, will be used to determine the expiration date of the driver's license.
It is important to note that some states may have different requirements for driver's license applications, so it is recommended to check the website of the relevant state agency for specific instructions and acceptable documents.
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International students can use a valid passport or EAD for domestic air travel, as they are not eligible for Real IDs
International students can use a valid passport or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for domestic air travel, as they are not eligible for Real IDs. This is because international students are not considered legally present in the United States and are therefore unable to obtain a Real ID.
To be eligible for a Real ID, all documents must show the same name, date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. All immigration documents must reflect the applicant's current name, and they must present their social security card or an original copy of their SSA ineligibility letter.
International students can use their passports to verify their identity and age when applying for a standard driver's license. Most states require foreign persons to provide documents verifying that they entered the United States legally before granting a state driver's license. Students can satisfy this requirement by providing their F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa, their employment authorization document (EAD), or their original Form I-20 or DS-2019.
While international students are not eligible for Real IDs, they can still use their passports or EADs for domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant identification card or another acceptable alternative, such as a passport or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
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International students must present documents showing their current name and date of birth
International students who are lawfully present non-US citizens are eligible to apply for a REAL ID. However, they must present documents that show their current name and date of birth. These documents include but are not limited to:
- A Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must provide an original SSA ineligibility letter.
- Two documents proving residency in the state, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub.
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766 or I-668B).
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) (Form I-551).
- An unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form showing permanent residence.
If your current legal name, date of birth, or gender is different from what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes made. This may include documents such as a court order approving a name or date of birth change, an amended birth certificate showing a name or date of birth change, marriage certificates, divorce papers, or adoption papers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, only U.S. citizens are eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID) in Washington state. International students on F or J visas are not eligible for these enhanced IDs.
California law does not allow for an ID card to be issued to individuals who are not legally present in the United States. However, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are authorized to apply for a REAL ID.
Yes, if you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for a REAL ID. You must present your social security card when applying, and you will need to provide two documents to prove your Pennsylvania residency.
Yes, non-citizens who can provide proof of lawful presence are eligible for REAL IDs. However, only U.S. citizens are eligible for Enhanced IDs.
