Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide valid immigration documents such as a permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa with supporting I-94 form. Proof of identity and residency, like a passport and utility bills or rental agreements, is also required. These documents verify legal presence and residency status in the state issuing the license.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a U.S. Driver's License?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Passport | A valid passport is a critical document for non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license as it serves to verify identity and citizenship status. This government-issued identification must be current and unexpired to meet state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements during the licensing process. |
| 2 | Non-U.S. Birth Certificate (with certified translation if not in English) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide a valid non-U.S. birth certificate accompanied by a certified English translation if the original document is not in English. This ensures that the identification documents meet state-specific requirements for verification of age, identity, and legal residency status. |
| 3 | U.S. Visa | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present a valid U.S. visa alongside their foreign passport to verify lawful presence in the country. These documents serve as primary identification and proof of legal residence status required by state motor vehicle departments. |
| 4 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record as proof of legal entry and authorized stay in the United States. The I-94 form verifies the applicant's immigration status and supports identity confirmation for licensing authorities. |
| 5 | Form I-20 (for F, M visa holders) | Non-citizens holding F or M visas must present Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, as a primary document when applying for a U.S. driver's license; this form verifies legal student status and eligibility. It is essential to also provide valid passport identification and proof of residency to fulfill the identification requirements set by most state Departments of Motor Vehicles. |
| 6 | DS-2019 (for J visa holders) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license with J-1 visa status must provide the DS-2019 form as a primary identification document, which verifies their eligibility and program participation. Along with the DS-2019, applicants usually need to present a valid passport, proof of residency, and Social Security documentation, adhering to state-specific Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements. |
| 7 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A Non-Citizen applying for a U.S. driver's license must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as primary proof of lawful presence and identity. This document confirms the holder's status as a lawful permanent resident, meeting the identification requirements set by most state motor vehicle departments. |
| 8 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) | Non-citizens must present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a valid form of identification when applying for a U.S. driver's license, proving their legal work status and eligibility. The EAD Card contains essential details such as the holder's name, photo, alien registration number, and expiration date, making it a key document for driver's license eligibility verification. |
| 9 | Social Security Card (if issued) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present their Social Security Card if issued, as it verifies lawful work authorization and Social Security benefits eligibility. If a Social Security Card is not available, alternative proof such as a denial letter from the Social Security Administration may be required to complete the identification process. |
| 10 | Social Security Administration Ineligibility Letter (if not issued) | Non-citizens unable to obtain a Social Security number must present a Social Security Administration Ineligibility Letter as proof of ineligibility when applying for a U.S. driver's license. This document verifies their status and is required by most state Departments of Motor Vehicles to complete the identification process. |
| 11 | Proof of State Residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, etc.) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide proof of state residency through documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements that clearly display their name and residential address. These documents serve to verify the applicant's physical presence and residence within the issuing state, meeting the DMV's residency requirements. |
| 12 | Proof of Identity (school ID, foreign driver’s license, etc.) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present proof of identity such as a valid foreign passport, foreign driver's license, or school identification card accompanied by additional supporting documents. Acceptable documents often include a consular identification card, I-94 form, or student visa to verify legal status and identity during the application process. |
| 13 | Form I-797 (USCIS Notice of Action, if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license often need to present Form I-797, USCIS Notice of Action, which serves as proof of lawful status or a pending immigration application. This document verifies immigration status and, when applicable, supports eligibility for state-issued identification, complementing other required documents such as passports or visa cards. |
| 14 | Form I-766 (Employment Authorization, if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present valid identification documents, including Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) if applicable, to verify legal presence and work authorization. Form I-766 serves as crucial evidence of employment eligibility and identity, meeting state DMV requirements for licensing. |
| 15 | Marriage Certificate (if name change applies) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present a valid marriage certificate to verify a legal name change when the name on their identification differs due to marriage. The marriage certificate serves as official proof linking the previous name to the current legal name, ensuring accurate identity verification during the application process. |
Introduction to Non-Citizen Identification for Driver’s Licenses
Non-citizens seeking a U.S. driver's license must provide specific identification documents to verify their identity and legal presence. These requirements ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while granting driving privileges. Understanding the necessary documents helps non-citizens navigate the application process smoothly.
Key U.S. Driver’s License Eligibility Criteria for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide proof of lawful presence, such as a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card (Green Card). Applicants need to submit identification documents including a passport or consular ID, along with proof of residency like a utility bill or lease agreement. Eligibility criteria also require the applicant to pass vision, knowledge, and driving tests as mandated by the specific state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Primary Identification Documents Accepted
Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must present specific primary identification documents to verify their identity and legal status. These documents ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for issuing a driver's license.
- Valid Passport - A current passport from your country of citizenship serves as a primary identification document.
- Immigration Status Document - Documents such as Form I-94, I-797, or permanent resident card confirm your lawful presence in the U.S.
- Visa or Employment Authorization - A valid visa or employment authorization card establishes your legal basis for residency and driving eligibility.
Proof of Lawful Status: Required Immigration Papers
What documents prove lawful status for a non-citizen applying for a U.S. driver's license? Non-citizens must present valid immigration papers to demonstrate lawful presence. Common documents include a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with I-94 form.
Social Security Number Documentation Needs
Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide proper documentation of their Social Security Number (SSN) to verify identity and eligibility. Your SSN documentation helps state authorities confirm your legal status and work authorization.
- Social Security Card - The official card issued by the Social Security Administration displaying your unique SSN.
- W-2 Form or Pay Stub - Documents showing your SSN alongside your name and employer information.
- Letter from SSA - A formal letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible for an SSN, if applicable.
Providing accurate SSN documentation ensures compliance with state licensing requirements for non-citizens.
Acceptable Proof of Residency for Non-Citizens
| Document Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Bills | Recent bills showing your name and residential address. | Electricity, water, gas, internet, or cable service bills (dated within the last 60 days). |
| Bank Statements | Official statements from a financial institution with your address. | Checking or savings account statements, credit card statements (issued within the last 60 days). |
| Lease or Rental Agreement | Signed documents proving residency at a specific U.S. address. | Current residential lease or rental contract, including landlord contact information. |
| Official Government Correspondence | Mail from federal, state, or local government agencies displaying your address. | IRS correspondence, Social Security statements, or notices from state agencies. |
| School Documents | Records verifying enrollment or residence for non-citizen students. | Report cards, enrollment verification letters, or school transcripts with residential address. |
| Employment Records | Documents from your employer confirming your residence. | Pay stubs or employment verification letters featuring your address. |
Your acceptable proof of residency must clearly display your name and a valid U.S. residential address to fulfill state DMV requirements for obtaining a driver's license as a non-citizen.
Documents for Dependents and International Students
Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide specific documentation to prove their identity and legal status. Dependents and international students have distinct document requirements that must be fulfilled.
- Valid Passport - An unexpired passport from the applicant's home country establishes identity and nationality for dependents and international students.
- Visa or I-20/DS-2019 Form - International students must present a valid F-1 or J-1 visa along with an I-20 or DS-2019 form to verify their student status.
- Proof of Residency - Dependents and students need to submit documents like a lease agreement or utility bill to confirm residency within the state where they are applying.
Identification Requirements for Temporary Visitors
Non-citizens seeking a U.S. driver's license must provide valid identification and proof of legal presence. Temporary visitors typically need a valid passport and visa to meet identification requirements.
Additional documents may include an I-94 arrival/departure record and proof of residency in the issuing state. These documents establish your identity and lawful status during the application process.
Common Document Issues and How to Resolve Them
Non-citizens must present specific documents to obtain a U.S. driver's license, including proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security number or ineligibility letter, and residency. Common documents include a valid passport, visa, I-94 form, or employment authorization card.
Document issues often arise due to expired visas, mismatched information, or missing Social Security documentation. To resolve these problems, you should verify all documents are current and accurately reflect your personal details. Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific guidance or to obtain acceptable alternatives.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a U.S. Driver's License? Infographic
