(VERMONT) Vermont’s DMV will issue a Vermont REAL ID to many immigrants through 2026 and beyond, but the card is only approved when your papers match the state’s strict Documents Checklist and federal verification rules. Since May 7, 2025, a star-marked REAL ID (or a passport or other approved alternative) is required to board domestic flights, so planning early matters if you travel.
REAL ID is not a separate immigration status, and the DMV does not “grant” status. Vermont staff review your identity and residency, then confirm any immigration records through the federal SAVE system as part of the application flow. That means delays often come from missing originals, mismatched names, or residency mail that fails the DMV’s date and address rules.
Who in Vermont qualifies for a REAL ID, and who doesn’t
Vermont issues REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards to eligible non-citizens using documents that prove:
- Identity and date of birth
- Lawful status or presence
- Social Security information
- Vermont residency
Asylum seekers with valid work permits and proof of pending asylum are included in the eligible group described in Vermont guidance.
The state’s process allows non-citizens to present immigration documents instead of a U.S. birth certificate. Vermont guidance also notes that people without lawful status cannot get a REAL ID, but they may be able to get a standard Vermont license instead.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the practical split for most applicants is simple: if you need the star for flights and federal checkpoints, you must meet the REAL ID document rules exactly, not “close enough.”
Key takeaway: If you plan to use your ID for federal purposes (including domestic flights), follow the REAL ID checklist precisely.
Starting May 7, 2025, a star ID (REAL ID) or approved alternative is needed to board domestic flights—plan ahead if you travel soon, as card issuance can take a couple of weeks.
A clear Vermont REAL ID Documents Checklist for immigrants
Bring original documents (never photocopies). Each item should show your full legal name. If a document is not in English, bring an English translation.
Bring extra papers when you can. If one document is rejected, a backup can save you a second appointment.
1) Proof of identity and date of birth (bring 1):
– Unexpired foreign passport
– Birth certificate
– Marriage certificate showing name and date of birth
2) Proof of Social Security number (bring 1):
– Social Security card
– If the card is not available, alternatives like a W-2 or pay stub may be accepted
3) Proof of immigration status or lawful presence (for non-citizens):
– Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-766: USCIS Form I-766 information
– Proof of a pending asylum application, such as a USCIS asylum receipt notice or an immigration court hearing notice
– Other examples Vermont accepts include:
– I-94 with visa — I-94 record: CBP I-94 official site
– Green card (Form I-551) — Permanent Resident Card: USCIS Green Card information
4) Proof of Vermont residency (bring 2):
– Two pieces of mail received within the prior 30 days showing your name and Vermont residential address
– Examples:
– Utility bills (electricity, etc.)
– Rental or lease agreement
– Official school records
– Bank statements
– The two documents must be from different sources
5) Name change link (only if your documents show different names):
– Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order connecting your current legal name to the name on other documents
Timeline: what the Vermont DMV process looks like, start to finish
Most applicants experience the process in three phases: preparation, the DMV visit, and mail delivery of the card. The time you control is mostly phase one.
- Preparation time: Many people can gather documents in a few days. Others need longer if they must request a replacement Social Security card, wait for bank mail, or correct a name mismatch.
- DMV day: The visit usually includes document review, possible testing if you are a new driver, and photo capture after approval.
- Card delivery: Vermont issues a temporary paper ID the same day, then mails the permanent card in 10–14 days.
Step-by-step application flow (with what to expect at each stage)
- Collect and check originals (same day to two weeks).
Match your name across every document. Check expiration dates. Vermont warns that your REAL ID validity tracks your shortest valid document — for example, an EAD that ends in 2026 can set the license end date. -
Confirm Vermont’s current REAL ID list (15 minutes).
Use the official DMV checklist so you do not guess. Vermont publishes REAL ID requirements on the state site: Vermont DMV REAL ID. -
Book an appointment or plan for a walk-in (same day to several days).
Appointments are recommended to avoid delays. Vermont lists online scheduling and also accepts calls at (802) 828-2001. -
Go to the DMV with every document (plan for a full visit).
Bring originals and backups. Expect staff to review your papers closely. You will also complete a vision screening. If you are a new driver, you must complete written, knowledge, and road tests; upgrades usually do not require retesting. -
Verification, photo, and issuance (same day, then mail).
DMV staff scan immigration documents into the SAVE verification system. After approval, they take your photo and issue the REAL ID marked with a star. You receive a temporary paper credential, and the permanent card arrives by mail.
Fees and validity rules immigrants should plan around
- Fees: About $32 for a 4-year license, and $24 for applicants under 26. Vermont’s guidance says REAL ID has no extra fee.
- Validity: For many non-citizens, the license end date follows the end date of the immigration document used for proof.
- If you have Temporary Protected Status, DACA, a visa record, refugee documentation, or an EAD, expect the DMV to align the card expiration with those dates.
Common problems that delay approval, and how to avoid them
- Residency mail is the most common failure point. Vermont requires two items from different sources, received within 30 days, showing your full name and Vermont residential address.
- A nickname or a P.O. box often fails.
- Name differences cause delays. If your passport shows one name and your lease shows another, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that connects them. Do not rely on verbal explanations at the counter.
- Immigration documents must be current and readable. If your EAD is expired, or your I-94 record cannot be found, the DMV cannot complete verification that day.
- Printing your I-94 from the official CBP site before your appointment helps many visa holders.
- Translations matter. If a key document is not in English, bring an English translation so staff can confirm names, dates of birth, and issuing authority without guesswork.
Warning: Missing or mismatched documents are the main cause of delays. Bring originals, backups, and translations to avoid rebooking.
Special notes for asylum seekers, students, and mixed-status families
- Asylum seekers: Those with a valid work permit can use the EAD plus proof that asylum is pending (USCIS receipt notice or immigration court hearing notice). This combination fits Vermont’s approach for non-citizens seeking REAL ID.
- International students and workers: Expect SAVE verification if you rely on an I-94 and visa. If you need to fly soon after the DMV visit, keep your passport available because the permanent card is mailed.
- Mixed-status families: If one person cannot qualify for REAL ID, they may still qualify for a standard Vermont license. Families often upgrade eligible members first, then handle remaining cases separately so travel and daily driving remain stable.
If you need to check specific requirements before you go, use the Vermont DMV REAL ID page: https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/real-id.
Vermont is issuing REAL ID-compliant cards to eligible immigrants who meet strict federal documentation requirements. Necessary for domestic flights starting May 2025, these cards require proof of identity, legal status, and residency. The DMV verifies immigration records through the SAVE system, and card expiration dates typically align with the applicant’s authorized stay. Those without lawful status may still obtain a standard state license.
