Lana Oconnell
International students have a variety of options when it comes to obtaining a valid form of identification. The most common form of ID is a passport, which is typically accepted as a valid form of identification in most countries. In addition, some countries may accept other forms of ID such as a driver's license or a state ID. For example, in the United States, international students can apply for a state ID or driver's license, which serves as a valid form of identification. Furthermore, international students can also obtain an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which is recognised in over 130 countries and provides benefits such as discounts and offers. This card can be obtained by applying through the official ISIC website for the respective country and submitting the required documents.
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What You'll Learn
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
International students are advised to have some form of photo identification. This can include a driver's license, a passport, or a photo ID from their host or home country. In the United States, for example, while a passport can be used as identification, it is recommended that international students obtain a state ID card as passports are challenging to replace if lost or stolen.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognised form of identification for students. It was first created by students in 1953 and is now issued in over 100 countries, with availability in some sources stating over 130 countries. The ISIC is endorsed by UNESCO, various national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. It is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status recognised by UNESCO.
The ISIC card offers students benefits and discounts on travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions globally. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. Students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education are eligible for the ISIC card, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years and no upper age limit.
To obtain an ISIC card, students can check with their schools as many issue ISIC cards on campus. Alternatively, students can order online and receive a virtual card, with the option to request a printed card by mail. Students will need to provide proof of student status, such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from the school, along with another photo ID and a digital photo of themselves.
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Passport
International students are advised to have some form of photo identification on them when studying in a foreign country. While a driver's license or a photo ID from your host or home country can be used, a passport is the most common form of identification for international students. This is because a passport is required to travel overseas, and it can also be used as a form of identification in most countries.
In the United States, for instance, international students are required to have a valid passport to apply for a student visa. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the student's period of stay in the country. Students must present their passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the port of entry, where a CBP official will make an admission decision.
Similarly, in Canada, a passport is considered a travel document that allows the holder to travel between countries. International students with a passport do not need a separate travel document to enter Canada.
While a passport is essential for international travel and identification, it is recommended that international students also obtain a local state ID or driver's license. This is because passports are cumbersome and challenging to replace if lost or stolen. Additionally, a driver's license is a government-issued form of identification that can be used as a state ID, and it allows the holder to legally drive in the host country.
International students can also benefit from obtaining an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC is issued in over 100 countries and is endorsed by UNESCO and various national governments, ministries, and universities worldwide. It serves as a form of student identification and provides access to thousands of discounts and services worldwide.
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Driver's license
International students seeking to obtain a driver's license in the United States should be aware that the process and requirements may vary depending on the state and their individual circumstances. Here is a step-by-step guide to help international students navigate the process of obtaining a driver's license in the U.S.:
Step 1: Check State-Specific Requirements
Start by checking the website of your state's driver's license agency, as the application process and requirements may differ across states. Some states may allow electronic applications, while others may require handwritten forms to be submitted in person. Additionally, some states may offer the option of obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which will be mandatory for domestic flights and entering federal buildings from May 5, 2025.
Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents
International students typically need to provide various documents to prove their identity and age, immigration status, and residency. Here is a list of commonly required documents:
- Passport: Your passport serves as proof of identity and age.
- Student Visa: Provide a copy of your current student visa.
- Immigration Forms: This may include Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 students), Form I-94 (obtained from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website), and your F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa.
- Proof of Residency: You may need to provide two types of documents showing your residency in the state, such as a tuition bill and a rental lease agreement or bank statement. These documents must include your full name and residential address.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): You may need one of these for the application.
Step 3: Understand License Transfer and Testing Requirements
Some states may recognize international driver's licenses or permits and offer a license transfer. However, many states require international students to take a driving test and a written test on local driving laws, signs, and procedures. If your home country license is not in English, consider carrying an International Driver's License or an English translation notarized by a bilingual notary public.
Step 4: Complete the Application and Testing Process
Once you have gathered the required documents and understood the testing requirements, you can proceed with the application process. Contact your local DMV to inquire about the specific steps, schedule any necessary tests, and submit your application. After completing the tests and submitting your application, the DMV will typically provide a response within a reasonable timeframe.
In summary, obtaining a driver's license as an international student in the U.S. involves researching state-specific requirements, gathering necessary documents, understanding license transfer and testing rules, and completing the application and testing process. By following these steps, international students can navigate the process more smoothly and gain the freedom and convenience of driving in the U.S.
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State ID
As an international student in the US, it is recommended that you obtain a state ID card within your first few months in the country. A state ID card is a useful form of identification that can be carried around in your wallet and used when travelling domestically, shopping at grocery stores, or going out to nightclubs or bars. It is also accepted as a form of ID when performing transactions at banks and boarding airplanes for domestic flights, unlike a school ID card.
To apply for a state ID card, you will need to present certain documents, including proof of identification and age, proof of residency in the state, and proof of legal US presence. An international passport can be used as proof of identification and age. For proof of residency, you can use documents such as bank statements, cell phone bills, rental lease agreements, or tuition bills that display your full name and address within the state. To demonstrate legal US presence, you will need an original copy of your US visa, a signed Form I-20 (for F1 students) or DS-2019 (for J1 students), and your I-94 travel record. The end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 will determine the expiration date of your state ID. Additionally, some states may require you to present two different types of documents proving your residency in the state for the Real ID version of the state ID.
It is important to note that the cost of obtaining a state ID card varies depending on the state, ranging from $10 to $90. Once you have submitted the required documents and paid the application fee, you will initially receive a temporary state ID in paper form. Within a few weeks, you should receive your permanent plastic ID card in the mail.
When applying for a state ID card, you have the option to choose between a Real ID state ID and a standard state ID. The Real ID version is federally compliant and can be identified by a star symbol in the top right corner. Starting on May 7, 2025, only Real IDs will be accepted as a form of identification for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings in the US. Therefore, it is advisable to consider your specific needs and choose the ID version that aligns with your requirements.
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Travel document
International students need to carry certain documents with them when travelling. The most important of these is a passport, which serves as proof of identification and allows the holder to travel between countries. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry into the country of residence. However, passports can be unwieldy and difficult to replace if lost or stolen. Hence, international students may consider obtaining a state ID card or a driver's license, which are alternative forms of photo identification.
In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa need to ensure that their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is signed by their DSO within the last year. They should also have their DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including a daytime telephone number and a 24-hour emergency phone number. Additionally, M-1 students are recommended to carry their most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record".
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is another form of identification for international students. The ISIC card is issued in over 100 countries and is endorsed by UNESCO and various national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. It helps students access discounts, offers, and services during their time as students.
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Frequently asked questions
A passport from your home country is a valid form of ID for international students in the US. You can also obtain a state ID, which is the most common form of ID in the US. The process and requirements for obtaining a state ID are similar to those for obtaining a driver's license.
The ISIC is an internationally recognised proof of student status, endorsed by UNESCO and various governments, ministries, and organisations worldwide. It provides students with a range of discounts and benefits, from travel and accommodation to food, entertainment, and shopping. To apply for an ISIC card, go to the official ISIC website for your country and fill out the application form with accurate personal details. The cost of the card varies depending on your country.
A national identity card is a government-issued card with a photo that can be used as identification within the country that issued it. In the European Union, for example, an EU/EEA national identity card can be used for travel within the EU/EEA instead of a passport. While some countries require or strongly encourage the use of national identity cards, others leave it completely voluntary.
