International Students And Real Id: Who's Eligible?

International students in the US may be able to apply for a Real ID, depending on their visa status and the state they are in. From May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft. 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.

International students need two documents to prove residency

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. This is because, from May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a nuclear power plant, or access a federal facility.

International students can satisfy the residency proof requirement by providing two documents that contain their full name and a residential address located in the state. This could include a tuition bill and rental lease agreement, or a tuition bill and bank statement.

In addition to the two documents proving residency, international students must also provide a valid passport to prove their identity and age. Most states in the US also require foreign persons to provide documents verifying that they entered the United States legally before a state driver's license can be granted. This could include an original copy of a signed Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or a signed Form DS-2019 (for J1 students), an electronic Form I-94, an F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa, or an employment authorization document (EAD) if the student is on OPT or STEM OPT.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID may vary by state, so international students should check with their state's driver's licensing agency for specific documentation requirements. Some states may require additional documents, such as a Social Security Number or proof of any name changes. Temporary immigration status may also impact the expiration date on the REAL ID product.

A valid passport is required to prove identity and age

International students who are lawfully present in the U.S. can apply for a REAL ID. This includes Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and citizens of Freely Associated States (FAS).

To apply for a REAL ID, you must present a valid passport to prove your identity and age. The passport must be unexpired and accompanied by an approved I-94 and a valid visa, if applicable. If you are a DACA recipient, your DL/ID card will remain valid until its printed expiration date. However, if you lose your DACA status and do not have another form of legal status, you will be unable to renew or convert your ID card.

In addition to a valid passport, other acceptable documents for proving identity and age when applying for a REAL ID include:

• An unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAC) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Form I-766 or Form I-668B
• A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) issued by DHS or INS
• A valid, unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence
• A previously issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, along with a valid passport and I-94 as evidence of lawful status

It is important to note that all documents must show the same name, date of birth, and current name. If your name has changed, you must provide a document with your new name. Additionally, you must present two documents that prove your residency in the state where you are applying for the REAL ID.

F1, J1, or M1 visa students must provide Form I-20 or Form DS-2019

International students on F1, J1, or M1 visas must provide Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 when applying for a driver's license in the US. The specific form required depends on the type of visa held by the student. F1 and M1 visa students need to submit Form I-20, while J1 visa students must provide Form DS-2019.

Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is issued to F and M students studying in the United States. It serves as proof of legal enrollment in a program of study within the country. This form is crucial throughout an international student's academic journey and must be kept safe. F and M visa students are expected to have the original Form I-20 during their visa interview and upon entering the country. Additionally, the information on the Form I-20 is necessary for paying the mandatory I-901 SEVIS fee before arriving in the US.

On the other hand, Form DS-2019, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status," is specific to J exchange visitors. This form is issued by a Department of State-designated sponsor and identifies both the exchange visitor and the sponsor. It provides essential details about the exchange visitor's program, including start and end dates, category of exchange, and estimated costs.

It is important to note that international students applying for a driver's license may also be required to present additional documents, such as proof of residency in the state. This can include documents like tuition bills, rental lease agreements, or bank statements that bear the student's full name and residential address within the state. In some cases, a valid passport may also be required as proof of identity and age.

Dependents on F-2 or M-2 visas are ineligible for a social security number

International students on F1, J1, or M1 student visas can apply for a Real ID driver's license in the US. To prove their identity and age, international students can provide a valid passport, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, their F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa, and their employment authorization document (EAD). Additionally, they must present two different types of documents showing proof of residency in the state, such as a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, or bank statement.

Dependents on F-2 or M-2 visas, however, are ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). F-2 visa holders are dependents of F-1 visa holders, including spouses and minor children. While F-2 visa holders can remain in the US without the F-1 visa holder, they are not eligible to work in the US. As a result, they cannot obtain an SSN. If an F-2 or M-2 dependent resides in a state where an SSN is required for a driver's license, they must first obtain a letter of SSN ineligibility before applying for a driver's license.

It is important to note that F-2 visa holders can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for income tax purposes. To do so, they must apply for an ITIN if they receive non-wage income while in the US, such as scholarships, grants, or interest on stocks. F-2 visa holders can also enroll in classes on a part-time basis. If they are admitted into a program of study in the US and have been issued a Form I-20, they can apply to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a change in visa status to F-1.

In terms of travel, F-2 visa holders who plan to temporarily leave and re-enter the US will need appropriate re-entry documents. They must have a valid re-entry signature on page 3 of the SEVIS Dependent I-20. Additionally, F-2 visa holders who travel to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days do not require a valid entry visa stamp in their passport for re-entry into the US.

REAL IDs are not required for driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or flying domestically

International students can apply for a REAL ID, but the process and requirements vary by state. For example, in California, you must present documents that show your date of birth, full name, and California address. In Virginia, you must provide proof of residency and, if your name has changed, documents that show a direct link between your previous name and your current legal name. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may also need to provide an EAD to determine the expiration date of their driver's license.

REAL IDs are not required for driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits. However, starting on May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be mandatory for certain activities, such as boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases. Until then, a standard driver's license or ID card can be used for these purposes.

It's important to note that REAL IDs are not required for all domestic flights. Some airlines may accept other forms of identification, such as a passport, which can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID when travelling within the US. Additionally, REAL IDs are not required for voting, banking, or applying for benefits. Standard IDs or driver's licenses are typically sufficient for these activities and do not require the additional documentation needed for a REAL ID.

While REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving, it's important to distinguish between a REAL ID, which is a form of identification, and a driver's license, which is a separate document that allows individuals to operate a motor vehicle. The requirements and processes for obtaining a driver's license may differ from those for a REAL ID, and individuals should refer to their specific state's guidelines.

In summary, while international students can apply for a REAL ID, it is not a requirement for various activities such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits. However, starting in May 2025, a REAL ID will be necessary for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities. Until then, a standard ID or driver's license can be used, and individuals should refer to their state's guidelines to understand the specific requirements and processes for obtaining a REAL ID or a driver's license.

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