Non-citizens must provide proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a valid visa, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document, to apply for a US driver's license. Proof of identity with original passports or consular identification cards is also required. Requirements vary by state, so applicants should verify specific documentation needed with their local Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a US Driver’s License Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Passport | A non-citizen must present a valid, unexpired passport as a primary identification document when applying for a US driver's license, serving as proof of identity and nationality. This document is essential for identity verification alongside immigration status evidence such as a visa or Resident Alien Card. |
| 2 | Visa (if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide a valid visa that proves lawful entry and current legal status, such as an F-1 student visa or H-1B work visa. The visa must be accompanied by supporting documents like the I-94 arrival/departure record and, if applicable, employment authorization to verify eligibility for driving privileges. |
| 3 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | A non-citizen applying for a US driver's license must provide the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to prove their legal entry and current immigration status. This document, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, details the date of arrival, immigration status, and authorized length of stay in the United States. |
| 4 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as primary identification for non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license, verifying lawful permanent resident status. Applicants must present the Green Card alongside proof of residency in the state and Social Security documentation to meet license eligibility requirements. |
| 5 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | A non-citizen applying for a US driver's license must provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as proof of legal presence and work authorization. The EAD contains personal identification details and confirms the applicant's eligibility to obtain a state driver's license. |
| 6 | Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) | Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license must present a Certificate of Eligibility, either Form I-20 for F or M visa holders or Form DS-2019 for J visa holders, as proof of lawful status and eligibility. These documents validate the applicant's current enrollment or position in a U.S. educational program, which state DMV offices require to process the license application. |
| 7 | Social Security Card or Ineligibility Letter | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide a Social Security card or an official Social Security Ineligibility Letter as proof of their Social Security status. These documents verify eligibility for a license and are required by most state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to process the application accurately. |
| 8 | Proof of Residency (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement) | Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license must provide proof of residency, which can include documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement reflecting their residential address. These documents establish the applicant's physical presence within the licensing state and are required alongside identification and immigration status evidence. |
| 9 | Birth Certificate (if required) | Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license may need to provide a valid birth certificate if required by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as proof of identity or legal presence. States often accept foreign birth certificates accompanied by certified translations to verify the applicant's identity during the licensing process. |
| 10 | Foreign Driver’s License (if available) | Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license must present a valid foreign driver's license, which serves as primary proof of driving experience and identity. Immigration documents such as a passport with a valid visa or an I-94 form are also required to verify legal status during the application process. |
Introduction to Identification Requirements for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license must provide specific identification documents to verify their identity and legal presence in the country. These documents ensure compliance with state and federal regulations throughout the licensing process.
You will need to present proof of identity, lawful immigration status, and residency in the issuing state. Commonly accepted documents include passports, visa papers, and state residency proofs such as utility bills or rental agreements.
Overview of Acceptable Identification Documents
Applying for a US driver's license as a non-citizen requires specific identification documents to verify your identity and legal status. Understanding the acceptable documents helps ensure a smooth application process.
- Proof of Identity - A valid, unexpired passport or foreign government-issued ID establishes your identity.
- Proof of Lawful Presence - Documents such as a visa, I-94 form, or Employment Authorization Document confirm your legal status in the US.
- Proof of Residency - Utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements verify your physical address within the licensing state.
Valid Passport and Visa Requirements
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | A current, unexpired passport issued by your home country is required. The passport must feature your full name, date of birth, photograph, and signature to verify identity. |
| Visa Requirements | Your visa must be valid and consistent with your intended stay. Accepted visa types generally include non-immigrant visas such as tourist (B-2), student (F-1), or work visas (H-1B). Expired or invalid visas are not accepted. |
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
The Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is an essential document for non-citizens applying for a US driver's license. It verifies lawful entry into the United States and provides vital information about the individual's immigration status.
The I-94 form includes details such as the date of arrival, port of entry, and authorized period of stay. Presenting a valid I-94 is often required by Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to confirm eligibility for licensing.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license often need to present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as proof of legal presence. The EAD, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirms the holder's authorization to work and stay temporarily in the United States. This document serves as a primary form of identification in the application process alongside proof of residency and Social Security status.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license must provide specific identification documents. The Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as the Green Card, serves as primary proof of legal presence and residency status. This card is essential to verify identity and eligibility during the license application process.
Consular Identification Card (CID)
Non-citizens applying for a US driver's license often need specific identification documents to prove their identity and residency. A Consular Identification Card (CID) issued by a foreign government can serve as part of these required documents.
- Consular Identification Card (CID) - A CID is an official photo ID issued by a foreign consulate to its nationals residing abroad, verifying personal identity.
- Acceptance varies by state - Not all states accept a CID as a primary form of identification for driver's license applications, so checking local DMV requirements is essential.
- Supports residency proof - When combined with additional documents, a CID can help establish residency or identity when other forms of identification are unavailable.
Social Security Number or Ineligibility Letter
What documents are required for a non-citizen to apply for a US driver's license? A Social Security Number (SSN) is essential if you are eligible to obtain one. If ineligible for an SSN, an official Social Security Administration (SSA) ineligibility letter must be provided to complete the application process.
Proof of U.S. Residency and Address
Non-citizens applying for a U.S. driver's license must provide valid proof of U.S. residency and a confirmable residential address. Documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement that display the applicant's name and current address are essential for this purpose.
Proof of residency verifies that the applicant lives within the state where they are applying for the license. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill (electricity, water, gas), a rental or lease agreement signed by the landlord, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days. State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) often require documents to show the exact residential address to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a US Driver’s License Application? Infographic
