International Students: Getting A Kansas State Id

how to get state id kansas for international students

International students in Kansas may need to obtain a state ID for various purposes, such as proof of identity, age, or residency. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a Kansas state ID can vary depending on the student's specific situation and the type of ID needed. For example, a common form of identification for students at Kansas State University is the Wildcat OneCard, which serves as a general ID and can be obtained by presenting a government-issued photo ID. On the other hand, non-US citizens applying for a Kansas driver's license or state ID card will need to go through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) process and provide various documents, such as proof of identity, residency, and legal name change if applicable.

Characteristics Values
University ID Wildcat OneCard
Who can get it? Enrolled students (undergrad and grad) and current employees (faculty and staff)
Where to get it? K-State ID Center
Documents required Government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, military ID card, or passport
Other requirements Must carry the ID at all times while on campus
Driver's License/State ID
Who can get it? Non-U.S. citizens residing in Kansas on a non-work status do not need a social security number
Where to get it? Full-service driver's license exam station (commonly known as the DMV)
Documents required I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, two documents as proof of residence/address (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement, or school records)
Additional information Non-U.S. citizens must be processed through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE)

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Proving your identity

To obtain a Kansas state ID, you must first visit a full-service driver's license exam station, commonly referred to as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). At the DMV, you will be required to prove your identity and residence.

To prove your identity, you must present a government-issued photo ID. This can include:

  • A state-issued driver's license
  • A state-issued ID card
  • A military ID card
  • A passport

If your name is different on your documents, you must provide a document proving your legal name change.

If you are a non-US citizen, you must be processed through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) prior to your application. Documents are subject to DLFS review and approval. Additional information may be required.

You will also need to provide two proofs of your current Kansas residential address. Proof must be dated within the last year. This can include:

  • A recent utility bill
  • A rental agreement/contract
  • Kansas school records

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Providing proof of residence

When applying for a state ID in Kansas as an international student, one of the crucial requirements is providing proof of your Kansas residency. This helps confirm that you live in the state and are therefore eligible for a Kansas state ID. Here's a guide to help you prepare the necessary documentation:

The state of Kansas accepts a variety of documents as proof of residency. Primary documents include those that confirm your residential address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements. When selecting a document to provide, ensure that it includes your name and current Kansas address and that the date on the document is no more than 12 months old.

For international students, some common documents to use as proof of residence include utility bills, such as electricity, gas, or water bills, that are under your name and show your Kansas address. If you have a lease or rental agreement, you can also submit this as proof. Ensure that the document includes your name, the Kansas address, the dates of the lease, and the name and signature of your landlord or property manager.

Another option is to provide official correspondence or mail that you've received at your Kansas address. This could include letters or documents from government agencies, schools, or financial institutions. For example, if you've received any letters or documents from your university or college in Kansas, those could be used as proof of residence. Similarly, official letters or notices from the Internal Revenue Service or other government agencies can also serve as proof.

If you have a Kansas driver's license or ID card with your Kansas address, this can also be used as proof of residence. In addition, you may use documents that confirm your enrollment in a Kansas educational institution, such as a tuition bill or transcript, as long as they also include your Kansas address.

When submitting these documents, always provide the original copies or certified copies, as photocopies are usually not accepted. If the document is not in English, you will need to provide an official translation along with a copy of the original document.

Remember to check the specific requirements and accepted documents with the Kansas Department of Revenue, as these guidelines may be updated periodically. It's important to be prepared and provide the necessary proof of residence to ensure a smooth process when applying for your Kansas state ID as an international student.

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Getting a Wildcat OneCard

To get a Wildcat OneCard, you must be a student, faculty member, or staff member at Kansas State University. The Wildcat OneCard is your official university ID and can be used for meal plan management and declining balance activities online or via mobile devices.

To obtain a Wildcat OneCard, you must first submit an application. You will be notified via email if your application has been approved and when your card is available for pick-up. The K-State ID Center is located on the ground floor of the Student Union, near the Campus Bookstore, and is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The center is closed on Fridays through Aug. 18 for summer hours.

When you go to pick up your card, make sure to bring the following documents:

  • State-issued Certificate of Live Birth issued by vital statistics or equivalent agency from your birth state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia
  • Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Valid I-94 (i.e. Asylee/Refugee)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. entry marking and/or documentation
  • Social security number (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate

If your current legal name is different than the one on your lawful presence document, you will need to provide your legal name change document. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will need to be processed through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) prior to applying.

Please note that the documents listed above are for illustrative purposes only, and the specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Always refer to the official Kansas State University website or contact the K-State ID Center directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Obtaining a driver's license

To obtain a Kansas driver's license, non-U.S. citizens must be processed through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) prior to application. You will need to visit a full-service driver's license exam station, commonly referred to as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Here is a checklist to help ensure your application process goes smoothly:

  • Verify that you have all the correct documents and that they are originals. Faxed, photocopied, electronic, or laminated copies of documents will not be accepted.
  • If your name is not the same on all your documents, provide a document proving your legal name change.
  • If you have completed driver's education, bring in the completion form.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to present an out-of-state credential (temporary or photo copies cannot be accepted) or a Motor Vehicle Record or Report dated within the last 30 days.
  • Provide two proofs of your current Kansas residential address. Proof must be dated within the last year. Some ways to prove your residence include a recent utility bill, rental agreement/contract, or Kansas school records.
  • If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will need to provide documentation sufficient to initiate and complete a SAVE verification.
  • If you are an F-1 student new to the U.S., bring your "continued attendance" I-20, which is not issued until you have enrolled full-time and have been registered in the SEVIS system by staff in the International Education office. This may take up to 60 days after your arrival.
  • F-1 transfer students should present their initial I-20 and WSU I-20 to the DMV.
  • F-1 students on OPT should take their EAD ("OPT card") to the DMV.

Please note that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities where identification is required for entrance.

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Non-U.S. citizens: System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE)

To obtain a Kansas state ID, non-U.S. citizens must be processed through the System Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE). This system is used to validate the immigration status of eligible noncitizen applicants for certain programs and for enrollees who report a change in immigration status. It is an information-sharing initiative that allows authorized staff to validate a noncitizen's immigration status by accessing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data. The USCIS is the federal agency responsible for immigration and citizenship.

The SAVE system has undergone several changes, including the introduction of a new information collection process, the use of the Person Centric Entity Resolution microservice, migration to a cloud-hosted environment, and the transition from a paper-based to a paperless process. The USCIS has also updated its Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to describe the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII), as well as the associated risks.

To use SAVE, authorized staff must request verification of an individual's immigration status if required for the program(s) they are applying for. They must then determine the eligibility of the applicant for the appropriate program(s). If the noncitizen applicant submits the required documentation of immigration status and has verified eligibility for the program, they must be submitted to SAVE through the Automated Status Verification System (ASVS). It is important to note that approval should not be delayed or denied pending SAVE primary or secondary verification if the applicant is eligible based on the documentation provided.

SAVE can be used for primary or secondary verification. Primary verification involves an initial automated query to the SAVE database, and in most cases, no further requests are necessary. Secondary verification is initiated if a match is not found or discrepancies arise between the information displayed on SAVE and that provided by the applicant. If follow-up is needed, a USCIS form G-845 must be completed and submitted with the requested documentation.

Frequently asked questions

The Wildcat OneCard is the official Kansas State University (K-State) identification card. It is used for identification, course exams, library use, recreational facilities, dining services, residence halls, and medical records.

You will need to visit a full-service driver's license exam station, commonly known as the DMV. At the DMV, you will be required to prove your identity and residence. You will need to bring your most recent continued attendance I-20 or DS-2019, and either the paper I-94 card stapled in your passport or a printout of your electronic I-94. You will also need two documents as proof of residence/address, such as a recent utility bill, rental agreement/contract, or Kansas school records.

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 to establish a minimum security standard for state-issued driver's licenses. Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities where identification is required for entrance.

First, ensure that you have all the required documents, as mentioned in the previous question. Then, visit a full-service driver's license exam station (DMV) to prove your identity and residence. You may also need to take a practice driver's license test and undergo a vision exam.

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