International Students: Getting A Mass Id

International students in Massachusetts may need a form of identification in addition to their passport and college ID. Massachusetts IDs (Mass IDs) are available to eligible customers who are residents of the state. To obtain a Mass ID, applicants must visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in person, having first completed the application online. The Mass ID will be mailed to the applicant. International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a standard driver's license or ID card, provided they can prove they have been granted a legal stay in the US for at least 12 months.

International students with F-1 or J-1 visas can apply for a standard Massachusetts ID card

The process for obtaining a Massachusetts ID card can be started online, but it must be completed in person at a full-service RMV service center. International students must bring their required identification documents and completed application form to the RMV Service Center. The documents required include proof of identity, date of birth, signature, and residency. One document cannot be used to satisfy more than one category. All documents must be originals, as the RMV does not accept photocopies.

The standard Massachusetts ID card is not valid for federal purposes. For federal identification, a REAL ID is required. A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner and is valid for domestic airline travel. To obtain a REAL ID, an in-person visit to an RMV Service Center or AAA branch (if a member) is required.

It is important to note that the validity of a Massachusetts ID card for international students will be the same as their remaining length of stay in the United States. Therefore, the ID card will expire when their legal stay is over.

A Social Security number or certified denial letter is required

International students and scholars can apply for a Massachusetts (Mass) ID card or a Liquor ID card. However, there are certain requirements that must be met. One of the requirements for obtaining a Mass ID is providing a Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

To obtain a Social Security Number, you must be a paid employee with a W-2 form. In this case, you can apply for an SSN. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is for non-resident aliens and their dependents who need to file tax documents. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, which requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and identity.

If you are not eligible for an SSN and do not need to file tax documents, you can request a denial letter from the SSA. To do this, you must fax copies of specific documents to the SSA, including your completed SS-5 application form (with "looking for denial" written at the top), your passport ID page, and your current I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Once you have obtained either your Social Security Number or your denial letter, you can proceed with the application process for a Mass ID card or Liquor ID card. The application process can be started online, but it must be completed in person at a full-service RMV service center. You will need to bring all the required original identification documents, including proof of residence, date of birth, and signature. It is important to note that the MA RMV will not accept photocopies.

The Mass ID card will be mailed to you, and it is valid for a prorated period depending on the length of your lawful stay in the United States. The fee for the Mass ID is $5 per year.

Original documents are mandatory

International students can apply for a Massachusetts ID (Mass ID). To do so, they must make an appointment at an RMV Service Center and present original documents proving their identity and state residency. Photocopies are not accepted.

The specific documents required depend on the type of ID being applied for. For a standard Mass ID, a Social Security number (or a certified denial letter from the SSA) and proof of state residency are needed. For a REAL ID, which is needed to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, the same documents are required, but the ID card must be an original and not laminated. The name on the documents must match the applicant's current name. If it does not, additional documents, such as a marriage certificate or court document, must be provided to prove the name change.

For a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Massachusetts, applicants must present documents proving their identity and state residency at an RMV Service Center. A non-US passport, visa, and I-94 are also required.

It is important to note that the REAL ID is not available as a Liquor ID. Liquor IDs are explicitly for non-federal identification and cannot be used for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities.

Applicants must prove their Massachusetts residency

International students can apply for a Massachusetts ID (Mass ID) by following the same procedure as any other applicant. The process involves visiting the RMV website, filling out the application, and scheduling an in-person appointment at an RMV service center.

To complete the application process and obtain a Mass ID, applicants must prove their Massachusetts residency. This can be done through various documents, including:

• A Massachusetts driver's license with your current address.
• A Massachusetts-issued professional license.
• Vehicle registration documents for your vehicle registered in Massachusetts.
• A Certificate of Residency from your city or town in Massachusetts.
• Homeowner's or renter's insurance policy for your residence in Massachusetts.
• Mortgage documents for your residence in Massachusetts.
• A current rental agreement for your residence in Massachusetts.
• An Official Change of Address Confirmation Letter from the United States Post Office, not more than 60 days old.

It is important to note that the required documents must be originals, and the RMV does not accept photocopies. Additionally, the name on your documents must match your current name. If there has been a name change, you must provide supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The specific documents required to prove Massachusetts residency may vary, so it is recommended to consult the RMV website or the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of acceptable identification documents.

The validity of the ID card will be the same as the remaining length of stay in the US

International students in Massachusetts can apply for a Massachusetts ID (Mass ID) or a Liquor ID card. To do so, they must meet the following requirements: be at least 14 years old, be a Massachusetts resident, not hold a driver's license in any US state, and have a Social Security number or a certified denial letter from the SSA.

To obtain a Mass ID, applicants must first start their application online and then schedule an appointment at an RMV Service Center to present the required identification documents and proof of state residency. The MA RMV will issue a temporary MA ID or Liquor ID card for 30 days, and a permanent card will be mailed within 5-7 days once the transaction has been completed.

It is important to note that the REAL ID Act, effective May 7, 2025, will require individuals over 18 years of age to possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card (or another ID accepted by the TSA) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Massachusetts REAL ID is marked by a star in the top right corner. While a REAL ID is not mandatory, it is recommended for international students and scholars to always travel with their immigration documents, even within the US, to prove their status if needed.

Frequently asked questions