Savanna Hoffman
International students in Massachusetts can apply for a Massachusetts ID (Mass ID) or driver's license. The process for obtaining a Mass ID or driver's license as an international student may vary depending on the state and the type of visa you hold. In Massachusetts, you can initiate the application process for a Mass ID or driver's license online, but you must complete it in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) service center. To obtain a Mass ID or driver's license, you will need to provide certain documents, including proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number or denial letter, and Massachusetts residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Temporary residents of Massachusetts |
| Application process | Online and in-person at an RMV Service Center |
| Documents required | Proof of identity, date of birth, social security number status, Massachusetts residency, proof of lawful presence |
| Types of ID | REAL ID, Standard ID, Liquor ID |
| Validity | Depends on the duration of the applicant's lawful presence in the U.S. |
| Fee | $5 per year |
| Payment methods | Cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards (vary by location) |
| Temporary ID validity | 30 days (MA RMV); 60 days (RMV Service Center) |
| Permanent ID delivery time | 10-14 business days |
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What You'll Learn
International student eligibility for a Massachusetts ID
International students in Massachusetts can apply for a Massachusetts ID, which is an official form of identity, signature, and age accepted in the state. The process for obtaining a Massachusetts ID varies depending on whether you are applying for a standard ID or a REAL ID.
Standard Massachusetts ID
To obtain a standard Massachusetts ID, you must be a resident of Massachusetts and not hold a driver's license in any U.S. state. The first step is to initiate your application online on the MA RMV website. You will then need to make an appointment at an RMV Service Center and bring the required identification documents, completed application, and fee to your appointment. The fee for a standard Massachusetts ID is $5 per year, prorated based on the duration of the applicant's lawful presence in the U.S. You will be given a temporary Mass ID that is valid for 60 days, and your permanent ID will be mailed to you within 10-14 business days.
REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you must bring your required identification documents and completed application to an RMV Service Center. REAL IDs are only issued to U.S. citizens or lawfully present noncitizens with specific identification documents. The REAL ID permits domestic airline travel and entry into certain federal facilities. As of May 2025, the State ID must be a REAL ID card, and the REAL ID card application requires a minimum of 12 months of remaining visa status.
Required Identification Documents
The required identification documents for a Massachusetts ID include proof of identity, date of birth, and state residency. A Social Security number or certified denial letter from the SSA is also required. For international students, this may include a foreign passport, consular ID, foreign national ID, or foreign driver's license.
Driving in Massachusetts
International students with a driver's license from their home country can drive the same type of vehicle provided by their home country license as long as they have an English translation of their license. Students must also carry their passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and a copy of Form I-94 arrival record to document their student status. To obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, international students must pass a written test to obtain a learner's permit and then pass a road test.
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Documents required for a Massachusetts ID
As an international student, you may be eligible to apply for a Massachusetts state ID. To obtain one, you must visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in person, as the process cannot be completed online. You can start your application online, but you will need to visit an RMV service center to present the required documents and complete the process.
The documents required for a Massachusetts ID include:
- Proof of identity and date of birth: This can be a foreign passport, consular ID, a driver's license from another state, an original or certified birth certificate, a foreign national ID, a foreign driver's license, or a marriage/divorce decree issued within the US.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the SSA, or an Affidavit of No SSN.
- Proof of Massachusetts residency: A letter from the Registrar's Office confirming your campus address is recommended.
- Proof of Lawful Presence: This can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, green card, EAD, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa.
If you are applying for a REAL ID, there are additional requirements. Your visa status in I-20 or DS-2019 must have a remaining minimum of 12 months. You will also need to take a written test to obtain a learner's permit.
It is important to note that you will be issued a temporary MA ID valid for 60 days when you visit the RMV service center. Your permanent MA ID will be mailed to you within 10-14 business days.
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How to apply for a Massachusetts ID
As an international student, you may be eligible to apply for a Massachusetts ID. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for one:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, it is important to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Massachusetts ID. As an international student, you must be a temporary resident of Massachusetts and have proof of your address in the state.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The specific documents you will need may vary depending on the type of ID you are applying for (e.g., REAL ID or standard ID). However, some common documents you will generally need include:
- Proof of identity and date of birth (e.g., foreign passport, consular ID, foreign national ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (e.g., a letter from your Registrar's Office confirming your address)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Proof of Lawful Presence (e.g., foreign passport with a U.S. visa, green card)
Step 3: Start Your Application Online
You can initiate your application for a Massachusetts ID online. Visit the MA state website to access the "Apply for a Massachusetts Identification Card (Mass ID)" page, which will guide you through the application steps.
Step 4: Schedule an In-Person Appointment
After starting your application online, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a local Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Service Center. You can find the nearest RMV location to you and make an appointment in advance.
Step 5: Attend Your Appointment and Submit Documents
When attending your appointment at the RMV Service Center, bring your completed application, all the required identification documents, and the applicable fee. The fee for a Massachusetts ID is $5 per year, prorated based on the duration of your lawful presence in the U.S. Most RMV service centers accept various payment methods, including cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards.
Step 6: Receive Your Temporary and Permanent ID
After submitting your application and documents, the RMV will issue you a temporary MA ID that is typically valid for 30 to 60 days. Your permanent Massachusetts ID will be mailed to your address on record within 10-14 business days.
Please note that the above guide provides a general outline of the process. For the most up-to-date and complete information, it is always recommended to refer to the official websites of the Massachusetts government and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
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Massachusetts driver's license requirements for international students
International students in Massachusetts can apply for a driver's license, regardless of their I-20 or DS-2019 duration (even less than 12 months). Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Massachusetts driver's license as an international student:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before starting the application process, confirm your eligibility to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible. Additionally, the RMV may need to verify your nonimmigrant student status using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements
To obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, you must provide proof of identity, date of birth, and state residency. Here is a list of documents that can be used as proof:
- Foreign passport or consular ID
- Driver's license from another state or country (if available)
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Foreign national ID
- Marriage or divorce decree issued within the US
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Affidavit of No SSN
- Proof of Lawful Presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, green card, EAD, or foreign passport with a U.S. visa)
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (a letter confirming your Massachusetts address)
Step 3: Start the Application Process
You can initiate your application for a Massachusetts driver's license online. Visit the MA state website to begin the process and outline the application steps. However, you will need to complete the application process in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location in Massachusetts.
Step 4: Prepare for the Tests
Unless you already know how to drive, you will need to take driving lessons and prepare for the written and road tests. Contact a local driving school, such as the Pioneer Valley Driving School, for instructions. They can also help coordinate your road test, which is required to obtain your license.
Step 5: Take the Tests and Obtain Your License
After passing the written Learner's Permit test, schedule your road test with the RMV. Remember that you must have access to an automobile and be accompanied by a licensed driver for the road test. Once you pass the road test, you will be able to obtain your Massachusetts driver's license.
Please note that there is a fee for the road test, and you will be charged for each attempt or failure to cancel properly. Additionally, you may need to surrender your out-of-state or foreign license, if applicable, and pay a conversion fee.
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Liquor ID card requirements
International students in Massachusetts can apply for a Liquor ID card, which is a valid form of identification for purchasing alcohol. The process for obtaining a Liquor ID card is outlined below.
Firstly, complete the application online. This involves answering a series of questions, which will determine the required documents you need to present at an RMV Service Center. To be eligible for a standard ID card, international students must provide valid immigration documents and proof of a legal stay in the United States for at least 12 months. F-1 or J-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for a Liquor ID card.
Once you have completed the online application, make a reservation to visit an RMV Service Center. Bring the completed application, all required identification documents, and the necessary fee. The fee varies depending on the location, so it is recommended to check the accepted payment methods beforehand. At the service center, you will receive a temporary Liquor ID card, valid for 30 days. Your permanent Liquor ID card will be mailed to the address on record within 7-10 days.
It is important to note that the Liquor ID card is valid for 5 years, after which you must re-apply and present all the required identification documents again. Additionally, the Liquor ID card may not be accepted by all restaurants and bars as proof of age, as they have the discretion to decide.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get a Massachusetts state ID by applying online and then visiting a full-service RMV service center in person. They will need to bring documents that prove their identity and state residency.
The documents required to get a state ID in Massachusetts include a Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN denial notice, and proof of identity, date of birth, and Massachusetts residency.
The cost of a Massachusetts state ID is $5 per year, prorated based on how long the ID is valid for.
A Massachusetts state ID is typically valid for fewer than 5 years, depending on the applicant's lawful presence in the US.
Yes, but only if you are a short-term visitor, not a student establishing residency. Your foreign license must be valid and either in English or accompanied by an English translation document.
