Key Takeaways
• REAL ID required for domestic flights and federal buildings starting May 7, 2025; eligibility varies by state.
• F-1 students and H-1B workers need valid visas, I-94, proof of residence, and Social Security documentation for REAL ID.
• Alternative documents like valid passports and I-94s can be used if REAL ID is unavailable in some states after 2025.
As the May 7, 2025, enforcement deadline draws closer, many people in the United States 🇺🇸 on temporary visas—such as F-1 students and H-1B workers—are wondering what they need to get a REAL ID. This FAQ aims to answer the most common questions about REAL ID documentation for non-immigrants, including who is eligible, what papers are needed, and what you can do if you are not eligible. Each section uses simple words to make the rules and steps clear, no matter your background.
Most Popular Questions
1. What is the REAL ID, and why does it matter for F-1 students and H-1B workers?
The REAL ID is a type of driver’s license or identification card that meets extra security standards set by the U.S. government. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable document for certain federal purposes, such as flying on domestic airlines or entering some government buildings. F-1 students and H-1B workers—people with temporary legal status in the United States 🇺🇸 —often need access to these places, so getting a REAL ID can be important.
2. Are F-1 students and H-1B workers allowed to get a REAL ID?
In most states, yes. If you have lawful presence in the United States 🇺🇸 (which means you are allowed to live here legally for a certain amount of time), you can apply for a REAL ID. However, the rules can differ by state. For example:
– In California, F-1 students, H-1B workers, DACA recipients, and people with TPS (Temporary Protected Status) are generally eligible.
– In Washington, only U.S. citizens can get Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EID), which are REAL ID-compliant. International students and exchange visitors (with F or J visas) cannot get these enhanced IDs there.
Note: Always check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing office for specific rules before you apply.
3. What documents do I need to show to get a REAL ID if I am an F-1 student or H-1B worker?
You will need several different papers that prove your identity, Social Security number, where you live, and your legal status. This checklist explains most requirements, but remember, some states may ask for more.
A. Proof of Identity
– Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and a current I-94 form (shows you entered the U.S. legally)
– Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (if you have one)
– Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD or Form I-766)
– Papers showing TPS eligibility, if you have TPS
B. Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
– Your original Social Security card (if you have one)
– A W-2 form (work tax paper)
– Form SSA-1099 (tax form from Social Security)
– Non-SSA-1099 (another tax form)
– A pay stub (work paycheck slip) with your SSN on it
If you do not have a Social Security number:
You must bring an official letter from the Social Security Administration that says you are not eligible for an SSN.
C. Proof of Where You Live (Residency)
You have to show at least two different papers with your name and current address on them. Examples include:
– A driver’s license or photo ID from your current state
– Vehicle registration (car papers)
– Auto insurance card
– Utility bills (gas, water, or electric bill)
– W-2 tax forms
– Tax records (like a tax return)
– Lease or rental agreements, or home mortgage documents
D. Proof of Lawful Status in the United States 🇺🇸
– Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record, print it out from the official website)
– Form I-20 (for F-1 students), which proves you are in a legal student status
– Form DS-2019 (for J exchange visitors)
– Form I-797 (Notice of Approval for a change of status, such as switching from F-1 to H-1B)
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that knowing exactly which papers your state’s DMV wants can help you avoid delays or problems when applying.
Eligibility and State Differences
4. Does every state in the United States 🇺🇸 allow F-1 students and H-1B workers to get a REAL ID?
No, the rules are not the same everywhere. Most states do allow F-1 students and H-1B workers to apply for a REAL ID, but a few states have their own rules:
– In California, international students and workers with valid visas are generally eligible for REAL ID.
– In Washington and possibly some other states, only U.S. citizens qualify for Enhanced ID cards, which meet the REAL ID requirements.
Tip: Because rules can change, always look at your local DMV or licensing agency’s current guidelines. The USA.gov REAL ID page provides links to each state’s office.
Special Issues and Warnings
5. What happens if my visa or work authorization is about to expire?
If you have temporary legal status, your REAL ID card will expire on the same date as your lawful status in the United States 🇺🇸 or the end of your supporting document (such as your I-20 or approval notice).
– For example, if your F-1 visa is valid until June 30, 2026, but your I-20 shows your program ends on May 10, 2026, the REAL ID will usually expire May 10, 2026.
– When you extend your status or get a new visa, you usually need to renew your REAL ID as well.
6. What if my name is different on some of my papers?
You must show documents that connect all name changes. For example, if you changed your name after marriage, or your documents include both your given and family names in different order, bring your marriage certificate, a court order, or another official paper that explains the change. All documents you show must clearly link to you.
7. What if I don’t qualify for a REAL ID in my state? Are there other ways to fly or enter federal buildings?
Yes. After May 7, 2025, if you cannot get a REAL ID-compliant card, you may use other documents for most federal needs:
– A valid passport from your home country
– An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
– An unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and a printout of your current I-94 form
For most non-immigrants, these papers are already part of the documents you use every day.
Important: Some non-REAL ID state ID cards may still work for daily use, like proving your age, driving, or banking, but not for federal security checks.
Application Tips for F-1 Students, H-1B Workers, and Other Non-Immigrants
8. How can I make the application process easier and avoid problems?
- Collect all needed documents before you go to your DMV.
- Make copies of your visa, passport, I-94, and I-20/DS-2019/I-797.
- Bring proof of your address, not older than 90 days if possible.
- If applying for the first time, ask your school’s international student office or your employer’s HR for advice.
- Double-check your state’s list of what they will accept, as requirements can be different, especially regarding proof of residency.
- If your documents are in a language other than English, bring official translations.
Carrying Status Documents
9. Do I need to carry my immigration papers with me every day?
Yes. The law says that non-U.S. citizens age 18 or older must always carry proof of their immigration status. This usually means your:
– Passport with visa
– I-94 printout
– I-20 (for F-1 students), DS-2019 (for J exchange visitors), or I-797 (for H-1B workers or others with approved petitions)
– EAD card, if you have one
Carrying these helps you show you are in the United States 🇺🇸 legally if an officer asks.
State Variation: What If My State’s Requirements Are Unclear?
10. What should I do if my state DMV website or staff seems confused about REAL ID for people on visas?
Sometimes DMV workers are not used to seeing applications from F-1 students or H-1B workers. If this happens:
– Politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager.
– Bring printed copies of the official rules from your state’s DMV website.
– Bring official REAL ID FAQs from DHS or information from the U.S. government to help make your case.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
11. Myth: “You must be a U.S. citizen to get a REAL ID.”
This is false in most states. F-1 students, H-1B workers, DACA recipients, TPS holders, and many other people with legal status can get a REAL ID in most of the United States 🇺🇸. You only need to be a U.S. citizen for Enhanced Driver Licenses and similar IDs in a few states.
12. Myth: “Once I get a REAL ID, I can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.”
Wrong. REAL ID is only a form of identification with added security features. It does not give you any extra immigration benefits and does not extend your visa, student status, or work permission.
Real-World Examples
- Mariama, an F-1 student: She gathers her passport, valid visa, I-94 printout, Form I-20 with her school’s signature, a school-issued bill, and a lease with her name and address. At the DMV, she also brings her Social Security card because she worked part-time on campus. She collects these ahead of time to avoid a second trip.
- Jorge, an H-1B worker: He brings his H-1B approval notice (I-797), passport with H-1B visa, I-94, Social Security card, and two recent utility bills. The DMV issues him a REAL ID that expires the same day as his H-1B status.
- Fatima, a student in Washington: She finds out that her state does not issue REAL ID-compliant cards to international students, so she uses her home country’s passport and her unexpired U.S. visa and I-94 to pass airport security when traveling within the United States 🇺🇸.
Where to Get More Help
For the most up-to-date and official information, check these resources:
– USA.gov REAL ID page
– DHS REAL ID FAQs
– Your state’s DMV or driver licensing website
You can also ask your school’s international office (for F-1 students) or your HR or immigration lawyer (for H-1B workers).
Summary and Next Steps
The rules for getting a REAL ID when you are an F-1 student or H-1B worker are different depending on where you live, but in most places, you can get a REAL ID if you have the right papers. Always check your state’s latest requirements, keep your documents in order, and bring more proof than you think you need when you go to the DMV. If you cannot get a REAL ID in your state, remember, you can still travel or go into federal buildings using your passport with visa and I-94. Whenever in doubt, rely on trusted resources like government websites or VisaVerge.com for guidance.
If you have more questions, your local DMV, your school, your employer, or official government websites are good places to find help. Being prepared will make getting your REAL ID much smoother and help you avoid surprises as the May 7, 2025, deadline approaches.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A U.S. identification card or driver’s license meeting stricter federal security standards, required for certain federal purposes after May 7, 2025.
F-1 Student → A non-immigrant visa holder in the U.S. for full-time academic studies at approved schools or universities.
H-1B Worker → A non-immigrant worker in specialty occupations, often requiring higher education and sponsorship by a U.S. employer.
I-94 → Arrival/Departure Record form issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, showing lawful entry and status dates in the country.
EAD (Employment Authorization Document) → Official USCIS card allowing certain non-citizens, like F-1 or TPS holders, to work legally in the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
With the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline looming, F-1 students and H-1B workers should prepare essential documents and check state-specific eligibility. REAL ID is necessary for domestic flights and federal sites, but valid passports and I-94s may substitute if states deny REAL ID to certain visa holders.
— By VisaVerge.com
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