Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US may be eligible for a Real ID, depending on their visa status and the state in which they reside. Real IDs are identification cards or driver's licenses that meet federal security standards. From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or older will need a Real ID-compliant ID to fly within the US. International students on F or J visas are not eligible for a Real ID in Washington State, but they may be eligible in other states. To obtain a Real ID, international students typically need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the US, often including a valid passport, visa, and Form I-94. Some states may have additional or alternative requirements, and it is recommended that students check the specific guidelines for their state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a REAL ID | Every air traveler 18 years of age or older |
| When is it needed | From May 7, 2025 |
| Who is not eligible for a REAL ID | International students on F or J visas |
| What is needed to apply for a REAL ID | Two documents proving residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and rental lease agreement or bank statement |
| What is needed to prove identity and age | A valid passport |
| What else is needed for international students | Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students), Form I-94, F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa, and employment authorization document (EAD) if on OPT or STEM OPT |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Washington must use a passport or EAD for domestic air travel
- International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine their driver's license expiration date
- International students applying for a driver's license must prove their identity and age with a valid passport
- International students must provide two documents showing proof of residency in the state
- REAL IDs are required for air travel within the United States for individuals 18 years of age and older
International students in Washington must use a passport or EAD for domestic air travel
International students in Washington are advised to use their passports or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for domestic air travel. This is because, as of May 7, 2025, all air travellers aged 18 or over in the US will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. However, in Washington State, only US citizens are eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to enhance security standards for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a star at the top, indicating it meets federal requirements. While international students on F or J visas in Washington are not eligible for these enhanced IDs, they can still obtain a standard Washington State driver's license or ID card, which is available to residents regardless of immigration status.
It is important to note that 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 could include documents such as a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, bank statement, or Form I-20/DS-2019, which verifies their status in the US. Additionally, most states require foreign persons to provide documents verifying their legal entry into the United States before issuing a driver's license.
While the specific procedures for obtaining a driver's license may vary slightly across different states, the general steps for international students are quite similar across all 50 states. It is recommended that new international students wait until their SEVIS record has been updated, which can take up to 14 days after completing orientation or the start date of their program. To initiate the process, students can check the website of the agency that issues driver's licenses in their state.
In summary, while international students in Washington cannot obtain a REAL ID, they can still use their passports or EADs for domestic air travel. Additionally, they can obtain a standard Washington State driver's license or ID card, which does not have the same restrictions as REAL IDs.
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International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD to determine their driver's license expiration date
International students on F-1 or M-1 visas may need an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to determine the expiration date of their driver's license. This is a common scenario for students applying for a driver's license while their application for post-completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) or STEM OPT is pending with USCIS. While the EAD is typically used to prove one's legal status to work in the US, it can also be used as proof of legal status in the country when applying for a driver's license.
However, it is important to note that while your I-765 application for OPT or STEM OPT is pending with USCIS, you may not have a valid EAD at the time of your driver's license application. In this case, you can provide alternative documentation to prove your legal status, such as your I-20 endorsed for OPT or STEM OPT, along with your Form I-797 Notice of Action. Additionally, a valid passport can be used to prove your identity and age when applying for a driver's license as an international student.
To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, international students must provide proof of residency in the state. This can be done by presenting two different types of documents, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or a bank statement, all containing the student's full name and residential address within the state. It is important to note that starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and above will need a Real ID-compliant license or identification card for domestic air travel within the United States. However, international students in Washington State, for example, are not eligible for Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EID) and must use their passports or EAD for domestic air travel.
While the process of obtaining a driver's license as an international student may vary slightly across different states, there are some general steps that apply in most US states. These include checking the website of the agency that issues driver's licenses in your state and providing the required documents to verify your status, such as your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Additionally, some states may require you to surrender any out-of-state driver's licenses you may have, while others may allow you to keep them after punching a hole in the card to indicate they are no longer valid.
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International students applying for a driver's license must prove their identity and age with a valid passport
International students on an F1, J1, or M1 student visa are eligible to obtain a driver's license in the US state where they reside during their studies. However, the process of obtaining a driver's license may vary slightly across different states. While the specific agency that issues driver's licenses may differ from state to state, the general steps for international students are quite similar across all 50 states.
- 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, obtainable from the US Customs and Border Protection website.
- Their F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa (expired visas are also accepted).
- Their employment authorization document (EAD) if they are on OPT or STEM OPT.
Additionally, international students should be prepared to present two different types of documents showing proof of their residency in the state. These documents must contain the student's full name and a residential address located in the state. Examples include a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or a bank statement.
It is important to note that international students on F or J visas are not eligible for REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EID) in certain states, such as Washington. However, standard driver's licenses and ID cards in Washington are available to residents regardless of immigration status. Starting May 7, 2025, air travelers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card for domestic air travel within the United States.
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International students must provide two documents showing proof of residency in the state
International students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas who intend to obtain a Real ID driver's license must provide two different types of documents showing proof of their residency in the state. These documents must contain the student's full name and a residential address located in the state. For example, a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement, or a tuition bill and a bank statement.
International students are not eligible for REAL IDs in Washington State. Instead, they must use a passport or EAD for domestic air travel. However, standard Washington State driver's licenses and ID cards are available to residents regardless of immigration status.
In most US states, international students cannot drive legally with an international driving license or an International Driver's Permit (IDP). They must apply for a state driver's license and follow the processes outlined by local DMV offices. It is recommended that new international students wait until their SEVIS record has been updated before applying for a driver's license. This waiting period can take up to 14 days after completing orientation or after the program start date.
To apply for a driver's license, international students must provide proof of identity and age, typically with a valid passport, and documents verifying their legal entry into the United States. This can include the student's Form I-20 or DS-2019, Form I-94, student visa, and employment authorization document (EAD). Additionally, they must provide proof of residency in the state, such as a rental lease agreement or bank statement.
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REAL IDs are required for air travel within the United States for individuals 18 years of age and older
From May 7, 2025, all individuals aged 18 and over will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card for domestic air travel within the United States. This is a result of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which aimed to enhance security standards for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a star in the top right corner, indicating that it meets federal requirements. It's important to note that this requirement only applies to domestic travel, and international travel will still require a passport.
International students in the United States may face challenges in obtaining a REAL ID, as the eligibility criteria vary across different states. In Washington State, for instance, only U.S. citizens are eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID). International students on F or J visas are not eligible for these enhanced IDs and must use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), for domestic air travel.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID in other states, international students may need to provide various documents proving their residency in the state. This could include documents such as a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, or bank statement, or Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students). It is recommended that international students check the specific requirements of their state's driver's licensing agency and ensure their SEVIS record has been updated before applying for a REAL ID.
While DHS recommends that states use a "gold star" to indicate compliance with the REAL ID Security Plan Guidance Handbook, alternative methods of marking may be submitted for approval. These methods could include differences in color, lettering, and/or format to clearly differentiate a compliant card from a non-compliant one. It is worth noting that individuals with temporary or limited-term licenses or identification cards do not need to resubmit identity source documents unless there has been a material change in their personally identifiable information (PII).
It is always advisable for travelers to check the acceptable forms of identification before traveling, as the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, other acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel within the United States include a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), and more.
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Frequently asked questions
REAL ID is a set of security standards for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a star at the top, indicating it meets federal requirements.
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to fly within the United States.
This depends on the state. 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. However, in Minnesota, international students are advised to obtain a REAL ID State ID.
To apply for a REAL ID, you must provide one document proving your identity, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States. Your name must match on all documentation. International students will need a valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired US visa accompanied by a Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant's most recent lawful admittance into the US.
Besides a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel in the US include a passport or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) designated as an acceptable border-crossing document by the DHS.
