Lori Meadows
International students in the U.S. may be eligible to apply for a REAL ID, depending on their visa status and state of residence. REAL IDs are a form of identification that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entering certain federal facilities. From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. International students with F or J visas in Washington State are not eligible for REAL IDs and must use a passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for domestic air travel. In Pennsylvania, lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents, are eligible for REAL IDs. Similarly, Michigan allows lawfully present non-U.S. citizens to apply for REAL IDs. New York also offers REAL IDs to non-citizens who can provide proof of lawful presence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a REAL ID? | Lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents, are eligible to apply for a REAL ID. |
| Who cannot apply for a REAL ID? | International students on F or J visas in Washington State are not eligible for REAL IDs. |
| Documents required for application | Social security card, two documents to prove residency, unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD), valid Permanent Resident Card, unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa, etc. |
| Fee | $30, plus a duplicate product fee (currently $30.50), or the applicable renewal fee based on immigration status. |
| Expiration date | Depends on immigration status. For temporary immigration status, the expiration date on the REAL ID will match the expiration date on immigration documentation. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Washington State are not eligible for REAL IDs
- F or J visa holders may need a REAL ID to fly domestically from May 7, 2025
- International students in New York State can get a standard ID or REAL ID
- International students in California cannot get an ID without legal US presence
- International students with a valid passport can travel domestically without a REAL ID
International students in Washington State are not eligible for REAL IDs
Starting May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document. This includes domestic air travel, where an approved ID will be required to fly. However, a standard Washington driver's license or ID card will continue to work for other forms of U.S. travel, such as driving within Washington, across state lines, or riding a train.
For international students in Washington State who are lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, there are options to obtain a REAL ID-compliant document. These individuals are eligible to apply for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card, and the specific requirements vary by state. In Pennsylvania, for example, a non-U.S. citizen must present their original social security card or an original copy of their SSA ineligibility letter when applying for a REAL ID. If they have temporary immigration status, the expiration date on their first REAL ID product will match their immigration documentation.
In Michigan, lawfully present non-U.S. citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents, are also eligible to apply for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card. A valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766) is eligible for a REAL ID credential if certain statuses, such as refugee or asylee, are verified by the federal government's SAVE application. Therefore, while international students in Washington State may not be eligible for REAL IDs specifically, they may be able to obtain alternative REAL ID-compliant documentation depending on their individual circumstances.
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F or J visa holders may need a REAL ID to fly domestically from May 7, 2025
From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to board a plane for domestic travel in the US. This means that F or J visa holders may need a REAL ID to fly within the US from this date.
International students on F or J visas are not eligible for REAL ID-compliant IDs in Washington State. However, they can obtain a standard Washington State driver's license or ID card, which is available to residents regardless of immigration status. These standard IDs are not REAL ID-compliant, as they are marked with "Federal Limits Apply".
In other states, non-US citizens with proof of lawful presence are eligible to apply for a REAL ID. For example, in New York, non-citizens are eligible for standard IDs, and non-citizens with proof of lawful presence are eligible for REAL IDs. However, only US citizens are eligible for Enhanced IDs. In Pennsylvania, lawfully present non-US citizens, including permanent and non-permanent residents, are eligible to apply for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card.
If you are an F or J visa holder and are unsure about whether you need a REAL ID to fly domestically, it is important to check the specific requirements of your state. Additionally, international students can use a valid passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for domestic air travel.
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International students in New York State can get a standard ID or REAL ID
International students in New York State can apply for a standard ID or a REAL ID. While a state ID is not required, it can be very useful in many situations. For instance, you may be asked for an official state photo ID, and carrying your passport around is not always convenient or safe.
To apply for a standard ID, you will need a Social Security Number. This can be challenging if you don't have an on-campus job, work authorization, or OPT. You will also need to pay a fee and provide proof of address. Once you pay, you'll get a temporary ID, and the real thing will arrive in the mail a few weeks later.
If you want to apply for a REAL ID, you will need to provide proof of your lawful presence in the U.S. (i.e., proof that you are not an undocumented immigrant). A REAL ID, unlike a standard ID, can be used to prove your legal status to federal agents, including ICE and Border Patrol. It can also be used to board domestic flights within the U.S., whereas a standard ID cannot.
You do not need to apply for a New York State driver's license unless you become a New York State resident. However, if you do want to drive in New York State, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country, and you may need an International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your driver's license if it is not in English.
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International students in California cannot get an ID without legal US presence
International students in California who are not US citizens can apply for a California DMV ID card. However, they must prove their current legal presence in the United States to be eligible for a REAL ID. This includes all US citizens, permanent residents who are not US citizens (Green Card holders), and those with temporary legal status, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and holders of a valid student or employment visa.
International students applying for a California driver's license may have to wait up to one year to receive a permanent license. This is because the California DMV is required to verify the student's immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license. If you have not received your license after 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV and ask them to solicit verification from the Immigration Service.
To apply for a California ID card, international students must bring their I-20, I-94 card, and passport when they go to their appointment. They must also complete application form DL 44 and pay the application fee. There are 36 questions on the test, and applicants have three chances to pass. The DMV provides free practice tests to help prepare for the driver's knowledge test.
To prove that you live in California, you must present two documents that contain your California physical address. Both documents must show your first and last name and the same address listed on the ID card application. If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may present a birth certificate, marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, adoption document, or any court document to connect your relationship to a person whose name does appear on the residency documentation.
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International students with a valid passport can travel domestically without a REAL ID
International students who are lawfully present non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a REAL ID. To apply, you must present your social security card, which must be the original. If you do not have a social security number, you must provide an original copy of your SSA ineligibility letter. You will also need to provide two documents to prove your residency in the state. For example, in Pennsylvania, you can use a current, unexpired state driver's license or photo ID card as proof of residency. The expiration date of your first REAL ID product will depend on your immigration status. If you are a permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder), you will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus applicable renewal fees.
If you are an international student with a valid passport, you can travel domestically without a REAL ID. However, it is important to note that this may change, and it is always a good idea to carry your passport when travelling. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant document will be required to board a plane for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants. REAL ID-compliant documents include a state-issued driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, a DHS-trusted traveler card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If you are an international student without a valid passport, you may still be able to travel domestically without a REAL ID, but it is essential to check with your airline and the TSA before travelling, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. In some cases, a state-issued driver's license or ID card may be sufficient, but it is important to check with your state department of motor vehicles to ensure that your ID complies with REAL ID requirements. Additionally, some forms of ID, such as a temporary driver's license, are not accepted at TSA checkpoints.
If you are an international student with a valid visa and your passport has expired, you may still be able to travel domestically without a REAL ID, but it is important to check with your airline and the TSA before travelling. In some cases, you may be required to present your passport and visa at TSA checkpoints, even if you have a REAL ID. It is always a good idea to carry your passport and visa when travelling, as they are the most widely accepted forms of identification.
Overall, while it is possible for international students to travel domestically without a REAL ID, it is important to stay up to date with the latest requirements and to have the necessary documentation readily available when travelling.
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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.
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 for a REAL ID. Your card must be original. If you do not have a social security number, you must provide an original copy of your SSA ineligibility letter.
Yes, non-citizens in New York State can apply for a REAL ID. Non-citizens who can provide proof of lawful presence are eligible for REAL IDs. However, only U.S. citizens are eligible for Enhanced IDs.
