Malcolm Rivera
Obtaining a driver's license requires individuals to present valid forms of identification to verify their identity and meet specific requirements. The acceptable forms of ID vary and include primary documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and Social Security cards, as well as secondary documents like school records and foreign passports. These requirements are in place to ensure the security and authenticity of the identification process, as outlined by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. The specific documents needed may differ based on individual circumstances, and it is essential to check with the relevant authorities to confirm the required forms of identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | United States, Canada |
| State/Territory | Indiana, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington |
| Documents | Birth certificate, passport, visa, I-94 form, driver's license, Social Security card, marriage license, court order, military ID, refugee documents, naturalization documents, employment authorization documents, school records, etc. |
| Additional Requirements | Proof of identity, lawful status, SSN, residency, name changes, date of birth, gender |
| Non-Compliant Status | Temporary driver's license, non-REAL ID compliant state-issued IDs, non-compliant credentials (indicated by "Not for Real ID Purposes") |
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What You'll Learn
Primary and Secondary Documents
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets the standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses. While the specific requirements may vary by state, here is a general overview of the primary and secondary documents that constitute valid forms of identification for obtaining a driver's license:
Primary Documents:
- Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession of the United States with an official seal.
- Unexpired U.S. passport or foreign passport with a valid visa.
- U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197).
- U.S. Social Security Card (non-laminated).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- U.S. military ID card for active, reserve, or retired personnel.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
Secondary Documents:
- Birth documents such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- Driver's license or ID card issued by another U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province (unexpired or expired less than two years).
- School records, including report cards and photo ID cards.
- Agency ID badge issued by a federal, state, or local government agency, with a photo.
- Computer-generated bills (within 60 days) from utility companies, credit card companies, doctors, or hospitals, containing the name and address.
- Bank statements, pre-printed pay stubs, or Medicaid/Medicare benefit statements.
It is important to note that some states may have additional requirements, such as proof of residency or legal name change documents if the name on the identification documents does not match. It is always recommended to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and acceptable forms of identification.
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REAL ID Compliance
Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers who present a non-compliant ID at TSA checkpoints and do not have another acceptable form of ID may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening or denied entry.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, individuals must provide proof of identity and proof of a Social Security number. The specific documents required may vary by state, but generally, a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-U.S. citizens are accepted as proof of identity. A Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck can be used as proof of a Social Security number. In some cases, individuals may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of legal residence, date of birth, or a name change.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification for REAL ID purposes. Individuals should check with their state department of motor vehicles to confirm the specific requirements and ensure they have the necessary documentation before applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
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Social Security Number Requirements
The requirements for Social Security Numbers (SSN) when applying for a driver's license vary depending on the state and the type of license. In California, for instance, applicants for a noncommercial driver's license are required to provide their SSN to the DMV, but they do not need to show their SSN card or any other visual verification of their SSN. However, visual verification of an SSN is required for original commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and any requests to correct an SSN already on the driver record database.
Individuals who are legally present in the U.S. but ineligible for an SSN are exempt from the DMV SSN requirement in California. They may start an application for a noncommercial driver's license, and once their eligibility status is verified, the DMV will complete their application. However, they must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any future DL/ID card application or provide a valid SSN.
In Texas, applicants for a driver's license or ID card must provide their SSN on the application form unless they are not eligible for an SSN. SSNs are verified with the U.S. government electronically during the issuance process. Applicants whose SSNs cannot be verified must contact the Social Security Administration to correct any issues before their driver's license or ID card can be issued or renewed.
In general, the Social Security Act allows state agencies to use SSNs to identify individuals for various purposes, including issuing a driver's license, motor vehicle registration, and birth certificates. Federal law also permits any state to use a person's SSN to establish their identification. However, there are not many legal requirements mandating that individuals provide their SSN or driver's license number.
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Citizenship and Immigration Status
U.S. Citizens:
For U.S. citizens, a valid driver's license or state-issued ID card is typically required as proof of identity. Most states require individuals to present at least one primary identity document, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Some states may also accept other documents, including a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passport card, or a DHS-trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). It is important to check with your specific state's requirements, as they may vary.
U.S. Citizens Born Abroad:
For citizens born outside the United States, the requirements may include presenting an original or certified copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or a Certificate of Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State. This ensures that their citizenship status is verified.
Permanent Residents:
Individuals with permanent resident status, also known as Green Card holders, can use their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as a form of identification. They may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of their lawful permanent resident status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system.
Refugees and Asylees:
Individuals with refugee or asylee status can present specific documents to obtain a driver's license. This includes an I-94 form stamped with their refugee or asylee status, along with a valid refugee travel letter stamped by Customs and Border Protection. A valid, unexpired foreign passport with an attached visa may also be accepted, although some countries may be exempt from the visa requirement.
Non-U.S. Citizens:
For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, the requirements vary based on their immigration status. In general, non-citizens may need to provide additional documentation to prove their identity and lawful status. This could include an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), such as Form I-766, or other forms of identification issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is important for non-citizens to check with their local motor vehicle department to understand the specific requirements for their immigration category.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a driver's license may vary by state, and individuals should always refer to their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, with the implementation of the REAL ID Act, there are minimum security standards for license issuance, and certain federal agencies will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses for official purposes.
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State-Specific Requirements
Texas
In Texas, individuals must present documents that verify their identity when applying for a driver's license or ID card. There are three options for doing this:
- Provide one item from the "Primary Identity Documents" category.
- Provide two items from the "Secondary Identity Documents" category.
- Provide one item from the "Secondary Identity Documents" category and two documents from the "Supporting Identity Documents" category.
Some examples of accepted documents include a U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197), an unexpired U.S. Travel Document (I-327 or I-571), and a valid, unexpired foreign passport with an attached visa. Texas also accepts driver's licenses or ID cards issued by other U.S. states or Canadian provinces, as long as they are not expired by more than two years.
Indiana
Indiana has specific requirements for applicants seeking a driver's license, permit, or ID card. They must provide documents that prove their identity, lawful status, Social Security Number (SSN), and residency. This includes items such as a computer-generated bill (issued within 60 days) containing the applicant's name and address, a bank statement, or a pre-printed pay stub. For those under 18, an Indiana Residency Affidavit must be signed by another person with a valid Indiana driver's license or ID card, along with proof of identity and residency.
REAL ID Compliance
It is important to note that starting in May 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This initiative was established by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, which set standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID cards (EIDs) are acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs and are currently issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These EDLs/EIDs are marked by an image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced."
While the REAL ID Modernization Act removed the requirement to provide documentation of an SSN when applying for a REAL ID, some states may still request this information. It is recommended to check with your state's DMV for their specific requirements.
In summary, obtaining a driver's license or identification card typically involves presenting various forms of identification and proof of residency, and the specific criteria may vary depending on the state in which you are applying. It is always advisable to consult your local DMV for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding state-specific requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
This can vary by state, but generally, you will need to provide documents that prove your identity, date of birth, residency, and SSN. Here are some examples of acceptable forms of ID:
- Original or certified copy of a birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Driver's license issued by a Canadian government entity
- U.S. Social Security card
- U.S. military ID card
- Agency ID badge issued by a government agency or entity with a photo
If your name, date of birth, or gender is different from what is displayed on your identity documents, you must show legal proof of the changes made. This could include a marriage license, court order, or other official name change documentation.
Yes, U.S. citizens born abroad must provide an original or certified copy of the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Yes, in Indiana, for example, an Indiana Residency Affidavit must be signed by another person if the applicant is under 18 years of age. The person signing must submit their valid Indiana driver's license or identification card and proof of identity and residency.
The REAL ID is a compliant driver's license or identification card that meets minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
