Lana Oconnell
International students in Massachusetts may need to obtain a state ID for various purposes, such as proof of identity, age, and address. The state offers three types of ID cards: a driver's license, a standard Massachusetts ID Card, and a Liquor ID Card. The process for obtaining a state ID varies depending on the student's country of origin, visa status, and whether they plan to drive. Obtaining a state ID typically involves providing proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number or denial letter, and Massachusetts residency. The application process can be initiated online, but it must be completed in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) service center, and certain eligibility criteria and documentation requirements must be met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | International students and scholars are eligible for a Massachusetts driver's license, regardless of their I-20 or DS-2019 duration (even less than 12 months). |
| Requirements | Social Security Number (SSN) or certified denial letter from SSA, proof of identity, date of birth, proof of Massachusetts residency, and proof of lawful presence. |
| Application Process | Start the application online and visit a full-service RMV service center in person to complete it. |
| Cost | $5 per year, prorated based on the duration of validity. |
| Validity | Mass IDs can be issued for fewer than 5 years, depending on the duration of an applicant's lawful presence in the U.S. |
| Types of IDs | Driver's License, Massachusetts ID Card, Liquor ID Card, and REAL ID. |
| Documents Required | Passport, driver's license from another state or country, birth certificate, marriage/divorce decree, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, and Form I-94. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for a Massachusetts ID
To be eligible for a Massachusetts ID, you must be a resident of the state and not hold a driver's license in any US state. You must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the SSA.
International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. However, each state has different rules about how long and under what conditions you can use a foreign license or International Driving Permit (IDP). As an international student on a student visa, you are required to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license if you plan to drive a car.
If your home country license is not in English, you should carry either an International Driver's License or an English translation signed by a bilingual Notary Public. If you have a valid license from your home country, you may be allowed to drive in the US for a limited time. However, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires foreign-licensed drivers to be at least 16 years old and carry a valid driver's license when operating a motor vehicle in the state.
To apply for a Massachusetts ID, you can start the application process online, but you must visit a full-service RMV service center in person to complete it. You will need to bring your completed application, all required identification documents, and the fee, which is $5 per year.
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Documents required for the application
To obtain a Massachusetts state ID as an international student, you must gather certain documents and complete an application. The specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but here is a comprehensive list of documents you may need:
Proof of Identity and Date of Birth:
- Foreign passport or consular ID.
- Driver's license from another state or foreign country (if applicable).
- Original or certified birth certificate.
- Foreign national ID.
- Marriage or divorce decree issued within the US.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Status:
Provide your SSN or, if you do not have one, obtain a certified denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Proof of Massachusetts Residency:
- Letter from the Registrar's Office confirming your campus address.
- Obtain a letter confirming your Massachusetts address by submitting a request through the International Portal.
Proof of Lawful Presence:
- Visa documentation, such as Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
- Passport (foreign or US).
- Green card, EAD, or other immigration documents.
Additional Driving-Related Documents (if applicable):
- If you plan to drive in Massachusetts and have a foreign driver's license, ensure it is valid and in English or carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an English translation signed by a bilingual Notary Public.
- If you have a valid license from another state in the US, you must surrender it and apply for a Massachusetts license when you become a resident.
- If your home country license is not in English, carry an International Driver's License along with your license.
Please note that you should always refer to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website for the most up-to-date and complete information regarding the required documents. The website will outline the application steps and any specific requirements for international students.
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How to start the application process
To start the application process for a Massachusetts state ID as an international student, you must be a resident of Massachusetts and not hold a driver's license in any U.S. state. You can initiate the process online by visiting the MA state "Apply for a Massachusetts Identification Card (Mass ID)" page, which will outline the application steps.
You will need to provide certain documents, including proof of identity, date of birth, and address. For proof of identity, you can submit a foreign passport, consular ID, driver's license from another state, birth certificate, foreign national ID, foreign driver's license, or marriage/divorce decree issued within the US. For proof of date of birth, you can submit a birth certificate, a foreign passport, a green card, an EAD, or a U.S. passport.
Additionally, you will need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). To obtain a Social Security Denial Letter, visit the Social Security Office in person, and you will be presented with a denial letter the same day.
If you are an international student with an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are eligible to apply for a driver's license. If you have a valid driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may be permitted to drive in the U.S. for a limited time. However, each state has different rules, and not all police officers may recognize international documents. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for a U.S. driver's license if you plan to drive in the country.
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In-person application and fee payment
International students can apply for a Massachusetts ID card or a Liquor ID card. To apply for a Massachusetts ID card, you must be a resident of Massachusetts and not hold a driver's license in any U.S. state. You must also have a Social Security Number or a certified denial letter from the SSA.
The process for applying for a Massachusetts ID card typically involves initiating the application online and then completing it in person at a full-service RMV service center. Here are the steps for the in-person application and fee payment:
- Make an appointment: Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment in advance at an RMV Service Center.
- Prepare the required documents: Gather all the necessary identification documents, including proof of identity, date of birth, and residency. Acceptable documents include a foreign passport, consular ID, driver's license from another state, birth certificate, foreign national ID, foreign driver's license, marriage/divorce decree issued within the US, and a letter confirming your Massachusetts address. If you are an international student, you may also need to provide additional documentation, such as your passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and a copy of Form I-94 arrival record to document your student status.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the application form accurately. You can find the application form on the MA RMV website or the MA state website.
- Pay the fee: The standard fee for a Massachusetts ID card is $5 per year, prorated based on the duration of the applicant's lawful presence in the U.S. Most RMV service centers accept various payment methods, including cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. However, it is advisable to check the accepted payment methods at your specific RMV service center before your visit.
- Provide additional documents for a REAL ID: If you are applying for a REAL ID, which can be used for domestic flights and certain federal facilities, you must provide additional documentation. A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner.
- Surrender any out-of-state license: If you previously held a driver's license from another state, you must surrender it to the RMV when applying for a Massachusetts ID.
- Receive your temporary ID: After submitting your application and paying the fee, the MA RMV will issue you a temporary MA ID or Liquor ID card valid for 30 days.
- Wait for your permanent ID to arrive by mail: Your new MA ID card will be mailed to the address on record within 10-14 business days.
Please note that the specific requirements and processes may vary, and it is recommended to refer to the MA RMV website or your local RMV service center for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Receiving the ID card
To receive your Massachusetts ID card, you must visit a full-service RMV service centre in person. You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment in advance. You will need to bring your completed application, all required identification documents, and the fee. Most RMV service centres accept cash, cheque, money order, and credit or debit cards. However, payment methods vary by location, so check what's accepted at the site you will be visiting.
The RMV will send your new Mass ID to the mailing address on record in 10-14 business days. You will also be issued a temporary MA ID that will be valid for 30 days.
The required identification documents include:
- Proof of identity and date of birth (a foreign passport or consular ID, a driver's license from another state, an original or certified birth certificate, foreign national ID, foreign driver's license, or marriage/divorce decree issued within the US)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a certified denial letter from the SSA
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (a letter from the Registrar's Office confirming your campus address)
- Proof of lawful presence and date of birth (US passport, birth certificate, green card, EAD, foreign passport with US visa)
If you are applying for a standard MA State ID, you do not need to be a non-driver. However, if you are applying for a driver's license, you must meet the eligibility requirements and confirm your non-immigrant student status.
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Frequently asked questions
Massachusetts offers three types of state-issued ID cards: a Driver's License, a Massachusetts ID Card, and a Liquor ID Card.
You will need proof of identity, date of birth, and address. You will also need a Social Security Number or a certified denial letter from the SSA. If you are an international student, you will need to provide your passport, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and a copy of Form I-94 arrival record to document your student status.
You can start the application process for a Massachusetts ID online. However, to complete the application, you must visit a full-service RMV service center in person with your completed application, all required documents, and the applicable fee.
