Non-citizens need to provide proof of identity, lawful presence, and state residency to obtain a state identification card. Essential documents often include a valid passport, visa or immigration status verification, and proof of address such as a utility bill or rental agreement. Requirements may vary by state, so it is important to check specific documentation guidelines with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a State Identification Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary Identity Documentation | Non-citizens must provide a valid passport along with their current U.S. visa or immigration documents, such as Form I-94 or Form I-797, to establish primary identity for a state identification card. Immigration status verification through official documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security is essential to meet state-specific identification requirements. |
| 2 | Proof of Lawful Presence | Non-citizens must provide proof of lawful presence, such as a valid visa, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, when applying for a state identification card. Acceptable documents must confirm the applicant's current immigration status and authorized stay in the United States as required by state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations. |
| 3 | Foreign Passport Validation | Non-citizens applying for a state identification card must provide a valid foreign passport as primary proof of identity, which must be unexpired and accompanied by appropriate visa or immigration documentation verifying legal presence in the United States. This foreign passport validation ensures compliance with state regulations and federal identification standards for non-citizen applicants. |
| 4 | USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Non-citizens applying for a state identification card often need to present a USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as primary proof of lawful presence and identity. The EAD serves as a government-issued document verifying the holder's authorization to work and residency status, which is accepted by most state DMVs for ID card issuance. |
| 5 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | Non-citizens applying for a state identification card must present a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) as proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals born outside the United States to American parents. The CRBA serves as an official document verifying identity and citizenship status, fulfilling key state identification requirements. |
| 6 | REAL ID Act Compliance | Non-citizens applying for a state identification card under the REAL ID Act must provide proof of lawful status, such as a valid visa, I-94 form, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), alongside proof of identity and state residency. These documents ensure compliance with federal standards, enabling the ID to be used for federally regulated purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities. |
| 7 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Non-citizens must present an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to verify lawful entry and current immigration status when applying for a state identification card. This document includes critical admission details such as date of entry and authorized duration of stay, which state agencies use to confirm eligibility. |
| 8 | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Documentation | Non-citizens seeking a state identification card under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must provide valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating their deferred action status. Additional requirements often include proof of residency, such as utility bills or a lease agreement, and a passport or consular identification card to verify identity. |
| 9 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A non-citizen must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as proof of lawful presence when applying for a state identification card, along with secondary documents such as a passport or birth certificate for identity verification. The Green Card establishes residency status required by state DMV regulations to issue an official state ID. |
| 10 | State Residency Affidavit | A non-citizen applying for a state identification card must provide a State Residency Affidavit to verify their current residence within the state, especially if they lack traditional proof of address documents. This affidavit serves as a legally binding confirmation, often requiring notarization or endorsement by a state-approved official, ensuring compliance with state identification requirements. |
Understanding State Identification Cards for Non-Citizens
| Document Category | Required Documents for Non-Citizens | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid Passport, Consular Identification Card | Establishes the applicant's legal identity |
| Proof of Legal Presence | Valid U.S. Visa, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Confirms lawful status in the United States |
| Proof of State Residency | Utility Bill, Lease Agreement, Bank Statement, School Enrollment Documents | Demonstrates residency within the issuing state |
| Social Security Documentation | Social Security Card or Denial Letter from Social Security Administration | Verifies social security eligibility or exemption |
| Additional Documents | Completed Application Form, Payment for Fees, Recent Passport-Style Photograph | Meets state-specific application requirements |
Who Qualifies as a Non-Citizen Applicant?
Non-citizen applicants seeking a state identification card must provide specific documents to verify identity and legal presence. Understanding who qualifies as a non-citizen applicant is essential to prepare your application correctly.
- Non-Citizen Applicant Definition - Individuals who are not U.S. citizens but reside legally in the state qualify as non-citizen applicants.
- Legal Presence Documentation - Valid immigration status documents such as a visa, Green Card, or work permit are required to prove legal presence.
- Proof of Identity - Acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport or consular ID card to establish your identity.
Overview of Essential Documents Required
Non-citizens must submit specific documents to obtain a state identification card. The requirements ensure proof of identity, residency, and lawful presence.
- Proof of Identity - A valid, government-issued passport or foreign national ID card confirms the applicant's identity.
- Proof of Residency - Documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements show the applicant's current state address.
- Proof of Lawful Presence - Visa, work permit, or I-94 form validates the legal status in the United States.
Proof of Identity Requirements
Non-citizens must provide valid proof of identity to obtain a state identification card. Acceptable documents include a valid, unexpired foreign passport with a visa, or a permanent resident card (Green Card). Additional proof may involve a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued employment authorization document or an I-94 arrival/departure record.
Acceptable Proof of Legal Presence
To obtain a state identification card as a non-citizen, acceptable proof of legal presence is required. Valid documents include a permanent resident card, a valid foreign passport with a visa, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your application must include one of these documents to verify your lawful status in the United States.
Address Verification Documentation
Non-citizens applying for a state identification card must provide valid address verification documentation. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements showing the applicant's name and current residential address.
Documents must be recent, typically dated within the last 30 to 60 days, to ensure address accuracy. Some states may also accept official government correspondence or insurance papers as proof of residence for non-citizen applicants.
Social Security Number or Alternatives
Non-citizens applying for a state identification card must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or acceptable alternatives. The SSN is crucial for identity verification, but exceptions exist for applicants without one.
- Social Security Number (SSN) - Required for most non-citizen applicants unless they qualify for an exemption.
- Denial Letter - A Social Security Administration denial letter may serve as proof if the applicant is ineligible for an SSN.
- Alternative Documentation - Residency or immigration status documents can substitute the SSN for identification purposes.
Applicants should verify state-specific requirements to ensure proper documentation is submitted for their identification card application.
Application Process Step-by-Step
What documents are required for a non-citizen to obtain a state identification card? You must present proof of identity, lawful presence, and residency during the application. These documents typically include a valid foreign passport, visa or immigration status, and a utility bill or lease agreement.
How do you start the application process for a state ID as a non-citizen? Begin by gathering all necessary documents that verify your identity, immigration status, and state residency. Visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles or relevant agency to submit your application.
What identification proofs confirm lawful presence for non-citizens? Acceptable proofs often include an I-94 arrival/departure record, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa. These documents demonstrate your legal status in the United States.
How can you prove residency when applying for a state identification card? Provide documents such as utility bills, lease contracts, bank statements, or government correspondence that show your current residence. These help establish your physical address in the state.
What happens after submitting your documents during the application? The agency will verify your documentation and may take your photograph and fingerprints. Once approved, you will receive your state identification card within the stated processing times.
Fees, Timelines, and Validity Periods
Non-citizens applying for a state identification card must provide valid immigration documents such as a visa, I-94 form, or employment authorization card. Proof of residency and identity are also required to complete the application process.
Fees for obtaining a state ID typically range from $10 to $30, varying by state. Processing times generally span from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the state's workload and verification procedures. State identification cards issued to non-citizens often have a validity period aligned with the expiration of their immigration status, usually between 1 to 5 years.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a State Identification Card? Infographic
