Gavin Howe
Creating a lawful ID, such as a REAL ID, requires a range of documents to prove identity and residency. The specific requirements vary by state, but generally, a person must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and proof of address. Non-US citizens may also need to provide immigration documents, such as an unexpired foreign passport with a valid visa and I-94 form, while those with name changes due to marriage or other reasons will need to provide relevant certificates or court orders. Some states, like Pennsylvania, require two documents proving residency, while Georgia mandates that non-US citizens obtain a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. It is important to consult the relevant state's driver's licensing agency website for detailed requirements and guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Yes |
| Date of Birth | Yes |
| Social Security Number | Yes |
| Proofs of Address of Principal Residence | Minimum 2 |
| Lawful Status | Yes |
| Name Change History | If applicable |
| Citizenship Status | If applicable |
| Employment Authorization | If applicable |
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What You'll Learn
Proving identity and lawful status
For US citizens, a valid passport, birth certificate, or state-issued driver's license or ID card is typically accepted as proof of identity. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, may also accept a Social Security card or a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the Department of Health. It is important to note that original or certified documents are usually required, and photocopies may not be accepted.
For non-US citizens, proving identity and lawful status may involve presenting different types of documentation. For example, an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94, which indicates the individual's most recent admission to the United States, is often accepted as proof of identity and lawful status for citizens of Freely Associated States. Other acceptable documents for non-US citizens may include an unexpired employment authorization document, a Permanent Resident Card (PRC), or a foreign passport with a valid visa. In some cases, non-US citizens may also need to provide original immigration documents or proof of residency, such as a lease or utility bill.
In addition to the standard documents mentioned above, individuals may also be required to provide additional documentation in certain circumstances. For example, if an individual's name, date of birth, or gender differs from their identity document, they must provide legal proof of the changes, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or amended birth certificate. Similarly, if an individual does not have a Social Security number, they may need to provide an original SSA ineligibility letter. It is always advisable to check with the relevant state's driver's licensing agency or official website to confirm the specific documentation required.
To summarise, proving identity and lawful status is a critical step in obtaining a lawful ID, and individuals should be prepared to provide a range of documents, including those that establish their identity, legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and residency. By gathering the necessary documentation in advance and ensuring they meet the requirements, individuals can ensure a smoother process when applying for a lawful ID.
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Providing a Social Security Number
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is a crucial step in establishing a lawful ID. Social Security Numbers are nine-digit numbers that serve as an individual's primary connection to the Social Security Administration (SSA). While SSNs are free, obtaining one requires careful adherence to specific procedures.
Firstly, it is imperative to gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes proof of age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. Examples of acceptable documents include a Federal/State Tax Return, Medicare/Medicaid card, Selective Service Notice, and Military Discharge Papers. In some cases, a pay stub with the applicant's name and SSN may be required. It is worth noting that states may have varying requirements, so consulting the relevant state's driver's licensing agency website is essential.
The next step is to file the application for an SSN card. This can be done in person at any SSA office. Online applications through the SSA website may also be possible, depending on the state. During the application process, applicants may be required to present original documents, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and up to date.
In certain situations, individuals who are not eligible to work but intend to apply for a driver's license may need to first apply for an SSN at their local SSA office. They will receive a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." This form serves as a prerequisite for proceeding with the driver's license application.
It is important to remember that the process of obtaining a Social Security Number can vary slightly depending on the state and individual circumstances. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult official sources, such as the SSA website or local government websites, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Proving residency
Firstly, it is essential to determine the state or region's requirements for residency proof. For instance, in Pennsylvania, two documents proving residency are required, such as official mail (including bank statements, tax notices, or magazines) bearing your name and address. Meanwhile, Nevada demands proof of a Nevada street address and requires either a Real ID license or ID card that meets federal requirements, a standard Nevada license or ID, or a Driver Authorization Card (DAC).
When it comes to the types of documents that can be used as proof of residency, there are several options. These may include a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. Some states may also accept a voter registration card, documentation of benefits received from a state program, or records from an educational institution located in that state.
For those without any bills in their name, alternative methods of proving residency are available. One option is to bring someone who resides with you to the licensing authority and have them sign an affidavit confirming your shared residence. Additionally, you will still need to provide another form of proof, such as official mail addressed to you at their residence.
In the case of non-U.S. citizens with "temporary lawful status," they are eligible for temporary or limited-term REAL ID-compliant identification. This includes nonimmigrants, individuals with pending asylum applications, and those with approved deferred action, among others. To obtain these IDs, individuals must present valid documentary evidence of their temporary lawful status or lawful status in the United States.
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Name change documents
In the US, there are several reasons why someone might change their name, including marriage, divorce, or a court order. The process of changing your name varies between states, but there are some common steps. Firstly, you may need to file a petition with your local court, and you may have to appear before a judge to complete the process. This petition must include the reason for your name change and any relevant information about criminal convictions. If your name change is granted, you will receive a court order stating your new legal name.
You will then need to use this court order to change your name on all your legal documents, including your social security card, passport, and driver's license. It is critical to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before filing your tax return. You should also notify other government agencies, such as the motor vehicle office, the State Department, and your local post office. If you are a non-US citizen, you must submit original immigration documents for each driver's license or ID service request.
In California, there is a fee of $435-$450 for filing a name change request, and you must have the forms published in a newspaper for one month. However, if you are changing your name to match your gender identity, you are exempt from this publication requirement. In New York, the court fee is $210 in Supreme and County Courts and $65 in New York City Civil Court.
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Non-US citizens
If you are a non-US citizen who is lawfully present in the US, you can apply for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card. The documents you will need to provide depend on the state in which you are applying.
In California, for example, you will need to provide two documents that contain your physical California address. Both documents must show your first and last name and the same address that is listed on the driver's license or identification card application. If you use a PO Box, one document must have both the PO Box and physical (residence) address, and the other must have your name and the physical address. If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may present a birth certificate, marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, an adoption document, or any court document to connect your relationship to a person whose name does appear on the residency documentation.
In Pennsylvania, you will need to provide documents that prove your identity, Social Security status, and residency. All documents must show the same name and/or date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. All immigration documents must reflect your current name. Acceptable documents include:
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) issued by DHS; Forms I-766 or Form 1-688B
- Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) issued by DHS or INS
- Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence
- Original Social Security card or SSA ineligibility letter
In addition, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act enables citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (collectively known as the Freely Associated States, or FAS) to receive full-term REAL IDs. Other categories of non-US citizens in a "temporary lawful status" remain eligible for temporary REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or one year if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay.
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Frequently asked questions
The documents required to create a lawful ID vary depending on the state and the type of ID being applied for. Generally, you will need to provide proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security Number, and residency. For example, in Pennsylvania, you will need to provide one document proving identity and lawful status, one document proving your Social Security Number, and two documents proving your residency.
To prove your identity, you can use a driver's license, ID card, birth certificate, or passport. If your name has changed, you may also need to provide marriage certificates, divorce papers, or a court order approving a name change.
To prove your residency, you will need to provide two physical documents showing your address. These could include utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or mortgage statements.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that complies with federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. REAL IDs are required for official federal purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft, and can be identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
