Lana Oconnell
International students in the US who intend to obtain a Real ID driver's license must present two different types of documents that prove their residency in the state. This is because, starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a US domestic flight or enter a US federal building. While the requirements for obtaining a Real ID vary from state to state, international students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need to provide documents such as their tuition bill, rental lease agreement, bank statement, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-94. In Washington state, only US citizens are eligible for a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced Identification Card, so international students must use a passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for domestic air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for Real ID | Depends on the state. In Washington, only U.S. citizens are eligible for a Real ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID). However, in some states, non-citizens/non-residents can obtain a Real ID by providing two proofs of address. |
| Documents required for Real ID | International students must provide two different types of documents showing proof of residency in the state, such as a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, or bank statement. They must also prove their identity and age with a valid passport or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
| Alternative forms of identification for international students | International students who are not eligible for a Real ID can use a valid passport or an EAD issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for domestic air travel. |
| Deadline for Real ID compliance | From May 2025 onwards, a Real ID will be required to board a U.S. domestic flight or enter a U.S. federal building. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for a Real ID
International students in the US who intend to obtain a Real ID driver's license must present two different types of documents that prove their residency in the state. For example, a rental lease agreement and a tuition bill or a bank statement and a tuition bill. These documents must contain the student's full name and residential address.
International students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas can use their original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, their electronic Form I-94, their visa, or their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to satisfy the requirement of proving their residency in the state.
In some states, international students are not eligible for Real IDs. For example, in Washington State, only US citizens are eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID). International students in Washington must use a passport or EAD for domestic air travel.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements and specific documents needed may vary depending on the state and the student's individual circumstances. Some states may require additional or alternative forms of documentation. Therefore, it is recommended that international students check the specific requirements of their state of residence.
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Documents required for a Real ID
International students can obtain a Real ID, but they must present two different types of documents that prove 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 student's full name and a residential address located in the state.
When applying for a Real ID, it is best to provide a valid passport to prove your identity and age. Most states require international students to provide documents verifying that they entered the United States legally. This can include the following:
- An original copy of your signed Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or a signed Form DS-2019 (for J1 students)
- Your electronic Form I-94, obtained from the US Customs and Border Protection website
- Your F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa (expired visas are acceptable)
- Your employment authorization document (EAD) if you're on OPT or STEM OPT
Additionally, some states may require you to present documents bearing your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a pay stub with your name and SSN. It is important to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific requirements and guidance.
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Flying domestically without a passport
International students can obtain a Real ID driver's license, but the requirements vary depending on the state of residence. Generally, international students must provide two different types of documents proving their residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or bank statement. These documents must contain the student's full name and residential address.
As for flying domestically within the US without a passport, it is typically not required. A state-issued driver's license or other acceptable forms of photo ID are usually sufficient for domestic air travel. However, starting from May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID will be mandatory for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. It is always recommended to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airline company for the most up-to-date information on identification requirements.
It is worth noting that some states may have different requirements for obtaining a Real ID. For example, in some states, non-citizens or non-residents can obtain a Real ID by providing two proofs of address, even without a Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, for international students on specific visas, such as F-1 or M-1, there may be additional considerations when applying for or renewing a driver's license while their application for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT is pending.
In summary, international students can obtain a Real ID driver's license by meeting their state's requirements, and flying domestically within the US typically does not require a passport. However, it is essential to stay informed about the latest identification requirements from official sources like the TSA and airline companies.
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State-specific Real ID requirements
The requirements for obtaining a Real ID vary depending on the state. While some states require proof of residency, others may have different requirements. For example, in Illinois, individuals must apply in person at a DMV facility or the new Real ID Supercenter, which is a walk-in facility. The cost of a Real ID in Illinois is the same as that of a traditional license or ID card, and the process of obtaining one is similar.
In most cases, state driver's licensing agencies will require certain documents to be presented when applying for a Real ID. These may include:
- Proof of identity: This can be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if the applicant is a non-U.S. citizen.
- Proof of a Social Security number: Acceptable documents include a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck.
- Proof of residency: This can be in the form of a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
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 instance, they may need to provide a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or a bank statement with their full name and residential address in the state.
It is important to note that the requirements and application process for a Real ID may differ from state to state, so it is recommended to check with the local DMV or the state's driver's licensing agency for specific instructions and requirements.
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Alternatives to a Real ID for international students
International students in the US may not always be able to obtain a Real ID driver's license. This could be due to a lack of the necessary documents to prove their residency in the state, or because their state does not issue Real IDs to non-citizens or non-residents. In such cases, international students can consider the following alternatives:
Passport
A passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used in place of a Real ID to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. This is the most common alternative for individuals without a Real ID.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
Some states may offer an EDL or EID, which are acceptable alternatives to a Real ID for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
DHS Trusted Traveller Cards
These include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. These are acceptable alternatives to a Real ID for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
U.S. Department of Defense ID
This includes IDs issued to dependents of Department of Defense personnel. These IDs can be used as an alternative to a Real ID for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
Federally Recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe ID
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), can be used in place of a Real ID for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
It is important to note that while these alternatives can be used for domestic air travel and accessing federal facilities, there may be other situations where a Real ID is specifically required. Additionally, some of these alternatives may have specific requirements or eligibility criteria that need to be met. International students should always check with their state department of motor vehicles or relevant authorities to ensure they have the correct documentation for their specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get a REAL ID in some states. For example, in Washington, international students can get a standard state ID or driver's license, but it won't be REAL ID-compliant. In other states, international students can get a REAL ID by providing two proofs of address, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or bank statement.
International students who are unable to get a REAL ID can use a valid passport or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
A REAL ID is a form of identification that can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building in the US. From May 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID to fly domestically.
