Non-citizens must provide proof of lawful presence, such as a visa, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document, when applying for a driver's license. Valid identification documents like a passport and proof of residency, including utility bills or a lease agreement, are also required. These documents establish identity, legal status, and residency to meet state licensing requirements.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for Driver’s License Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Foreign Passport | A valid foreign passport serves as a primary identification document for non-citizens applying for a driver's license, confirming identity and legal presence in the country. This passport must be current, unexpired, and accompanied by proper visa or immigration status proofs to meet licensing authority requirements. |
| 2 | U.S. Visa | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present a valid U.S. visa as proof of lawful presence and identity, alongside a passport and proof of residency within the state. Specific visa types accepted include tourist (B-2), student (F-1), and work visas (H-1B), ensuring compliance with state motor vehicle department requirements. |
| 3 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must present an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record as proof of lawful entry and legal status in the United States. The I-94 document verifies the date of arrival, visa type, and authorized duration of stay required by state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for identity and eligibility verification. |
| 4 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) | A non-citizen must present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) as a key form of identification when applying for a driver's license, proving their legal permission to work and reside in the United States. The EAD contains vital information such as the applicant's name, photograph, authorized validity period, and unique USCIS number, establishing their eligibility for licensing authorities. |
| 5 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) | A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) serves as primary identification for non-citizens applying for a driver's license, proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Applicants must present this card along with secondary documents such as proof of residency and Social Security number verification to satisfy state-specific driver's license requirements. |
| 6 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide valid identification documents, with the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) serving as essential proof of U.S. citizenship for those born outside the United States. This form verifies citizenship status and is accepted by most state DMV offices to fulfill the identity and citizenship requirements during the application process. |
| 7 | Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must present Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) as proof of lawful presence and eligibility under F-1 or M-1 visa status. This document verifies current enrollment in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution, establishing the applicant's legal status required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for license issuance. |
| 8 | Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license often need to present Form DS-2019, which serves as a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, verifying their legal status under the U.S. Department of State's exchange visitor program. This document is essential for proving identity and lawful presence, allowing licensing authorities to confirm eligibility before issuing a driver's license. |
| 9 | Asylum Approval Notice | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must present an Asylum Approval Notice as valid proof of legal status, confirming their eligibility to obtain a license. This notice verifies the applicant's asylum status, fulfilling identification requirements set by the Department of Motor Vehicles. |
| 10 | Refugee Travel Document | Refugees applying for a driver's license must present a valid Refugee Travel Document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as primary identification. This document verifies their legal presence and refugee status, fulfilling the identification requirements needed for the application process. |
| 11 | Social Security Card or Ineligibility Letter | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide a Social Security Card or an official Social Security Ineligibility Letter as proof of their social security status. This documentation verifies eligibility and supports identity confirmation required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. |
| 12 | Proof of State Residency (Utility Bill, Lease Agreement, Bank Statement) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide proof of state residency, which can include a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement displaying their name and current address. These documents verify residency status and are essential for complying with state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements. |
| 13 | Birth Certificate (if applicable) | A non-citizen applying for a driver's license must provide a valid birth certificate if available, as it serves as primary proof of identity and age. In cases where a birth certificate is not issued in the applicant's home country, acceptable alternatives may include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a foreign passport with a certified translation. |
| 14 | Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must present a valid marriage certificate if their application requires proof of name change or spousal relationship, ensuring alignment with identification records. The marriage certificate should be an official, government-issued document recognized by the licensing authority to verify legal marital status and identity accuracy. |
| 15 | Tax Identification Number (if SSN not available) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) if a Social Security Number (SSN) is not available, as it serves as a crucial form of identification for tax and legal purposes. The TIN, issued by the IRS, verifies the applicant's eligibility and supports the application process in states requiring proof of lawful presence and identification. |
| 16 | Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide official documentation of any legal name changes, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or updated passport, to verify their current legal identity. This proof ensures consistency across all identification records and is essential for the application process. |
Overview of Identification Requirements for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens must provide specific identification documents to apply for a driver's license. These documents confirm legal status and residency within the state.
Primary identification includes a valid passport, visa, or permanent resident card. Proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement, is also required.
Acceptable Primary Identification Documents
Non-citizens must present acceptable primary identification documents when applying for a driver's license. These documents typically include a valid passport, a permanent resident card (Green Card), or an employment authorization document (EAD). Each document must prove the applicant's identity and legal presence in the country to be accepted by the licensing authority.
Proof of Legal Presence in the Country
| Document Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport with Visa | A current passport containing a valid entry visa or stamp. | Serves as primary proof of legal entry and presence. |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), allowing employment in the country. | Verifies authorization to work and legal presence. |
| I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Form documenting your arrival and authorized length of stay. | Confirms legal admission and duration of permitted stay. |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Official identification showing lawful permanent resident status. | Establishes continuous legal residency. |
| Consular Identification Card | Issued by your home country's consulate as proof of identity. | May be accepted as secondary identification alongside other documents. |
| Form I-797 Notice of Action | USCIS document indicating approval or receipt of immigration petitions. | Supports proof of legal status during application processing. |
Valid Foreign Passports as Identification
What documents does a non-citizen need for a driver's license application? Valid foreign passports serve as primary identification for non-citizens applying for a driver's license. These passports must be current and government-issued to verify identity and immigration status accurately.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license often need to provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as proof of lawful presence and work eligibility in the United States. The EAD serves as a critical identification document accepted by many state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs).
This document verifies the applicant's immigration status and allows them to legally work and reside in the country. Presenting a valid EAD can streamline the driver's license application process for non-citizens by fulfilling identification and residency requirements.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
A Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card, is a crucial document for non-citizens applying for a driver's license. Your application must include this card to verify your lawful status in the United States.
- Proof of Legal Residency - The Green Card serves as official evidence of your permanent residency status.
- Identification Verification - It provides a government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity.
- Residency Requirement - The card establishes your eligibility by showing your legal right to live and work in the state where the license is issued.
Consular Identification Cards
Consular Identification Cards serve as an important document for non-citizens applying for a driver's license. You may use these cards to prove identity when other forms of ID are unavailable.
- Proof of Identity - Consular ID cards verify your personal information and citizenship from your home country's consulate.
- Accepted by DMV - Many states accept consular identification cards as valid documentation in the driver's license application process.
- Supplemental Document - Consular IDs often complement other documents such as proof of residency or immigration status during application.
Supporting Secondary Identification Documents
Non-citizens applying for a driver's license must provide supporting secondary identification documents to verify their identity and residency. These documents often include a foreign passport with a valid visa, a consular identification card, or a U.S. Social Security card if applicable. You should ensure that these secondary documents complement your primary identification to meet the state-specific licensing requirements.
Translating and Certifying Foreign Documents
Non-citizens must provide translated and certified versions of foreign documents when applying for a driver's license. Proper translation and certification ensure legal acceptance of your documents by licensing authorities.
- Certified Translation Requirement - Foreign documents must be translated by a certified translator to validate accuracy.
- Notarization of Documents - Translated documents often require notarization to confirm authenticity.
- Consular Certification - Some jurisdictions require certification from the issuing country's consulate for foreign documents.
Ensuring your foreign documents are accurately translated and certified streamlines the application process for a driver's license.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for Driver’s License Application? Infographic
