REAL ID for Noncitizens, Visa Holders' Cards End With I-94
When a noncitizen applies for a REAL ID at the DMV, a green card holder’s card proves both identity and lawful status, and they get a full-term card; people on work or student visas bring a foreign passport, a valid US visa and their I-94, and get a limited-term card that cannot last past the authorized stay on the I-94. If you apply with an EAD, bring one more document proving lawful status.
Federal rules require everyone to bring proof of SSN (visa holders without work authorization can instead show that they are not authorized to work) and at least 2 proofs of address. This article follows the federal rules in 6 CFR Part 37; states can add requirements, so check your state DMV’s list before you go.
What to bring by status
| Status | Identity document | Proof of lawful status | Card you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green card holder | Valid green card (I-551) | The green card itself counts | Full-term card |
| EAD holder | Valid EAD (I-766) | Bring one more document | Depends on status: a pending I-485, a pending asylum case and similar are temporary statuses and get a limited-term card |
| Visa status (for example H-1B or F-1) | Valid foreign passport + valid US visa + I-94 for your most recent entry | Bring one more document | Limited-term card |
All three also need proof of SSN and 2 proofs of address.
Identity documents green card, EAD, passport with visa
6 CFR 37.11(c) lists documents that prove identity; the ones noncitizens can use are (6 CFR Part 37):
- Green card: a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551).
- EAD: a valid, unexpired EAD (I-766 or I-688B).
- Foreign passport with visa: a valid foreign passport with a valid US visa affixed, plus the I-94 for your most recent entry.
The same identity document proves your date of birth.
Lawful status green card holders are covered, others bring one more
6 CFR 37.11(g) says that if you use a green card as your identity document, the state’s verification of the green card also proves lawful status. If you use an EAD or a foreign passport with a visa, verifying the identity document is not enough: you must bring another document proving lawful status, or another federal document that USCIS determines shows lawful status. The state verifies every document through its systems.
SSN card, W-2 or pay stub
6 CFR 37.11(e) says:
- What to bring: your Social Security card; without the card, a W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA 1099, or a pay stub showing your name and SSN.
- Applying with a passport and visa: you must provide an SSN or show that you are in a status without work authorization.
- The state checks: the DMV must verify your SSN with SSA.
For dependents on H-4, L-2 or F-2 without an SSN, see dependents without an SSN use an ITIN for taxes and bank accounts.
Address at least 2 documents
6 CFR 37.11(f) says you must bring at least 2 documents of the state’s choosing that show your name and principal residence, generally with a street address. Which documents count depends on your state DMV’s list; for California, see moving to California get a license within 10 days.
Limited-term cards end with your I-94
- Who gets a full-term card: the DHS REAL ID FAQ lists noncitizens who can get a full-term card, including green card holders, conditional permanent residents, people with approved asylum, and people admitted as refugees; citizens of COFA nations can as well (DHS REAL ID FAQ).
- Who has temporary lawful status: 6 CFR 37.3 defines it as valid nonimmigrant status (other than COFA), a pending asylum application, a pending or approved TPS application, approved deferred action, or a pending application for a green card. Work visa holders, students, and people with a pending I-485 who hold an EAD all fall here.
- Temporary status means a limited-term card: 6 CFR 37.21 says a limited-term card cannot be valid past your authorized stay; if your stay has no end date, the maximum is 1 year, and it cannot exceed the state’s maximum license term. The front of the card and the machine-readable zone must show that it is limited-term.
- Renew in person: DHS says limited-term cards cannot be renewed remotely; you must go in person with documents showing your status is still valid.
If your work permit card is about to expire, see EAD renewals no longer get an automatic extension.
Domestic flights in one line
DHS says REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025, and a state license used to fly must have the star (DHS). For which other IDs TSA accepts when your license has no star, see our TOUR guide domestic flight ID if your license has no star, bring your passport.
Frequently asked questions
Can H-1B holders get a REAL ID?
Yes. Bring a valid passport, US visa and I-94, plus proof of SSN and 2 proofs of address. You get a limited-term card that cannot last past the authorized stay on your I-94.
Do green card holders need to bring a passport for REAL ID?
Under federal rules, the green card alone proves both identity and lawful status. Your state may have extra requirements, so check its DMV list.
Can I get a REAL ID without an SSN?
If you apply with a passport and visa, you can instead show that you are in a status without work authorization. If you apply with a green card or EAD, you need proof of SSN.
Can I renew a limited-term REAL ID online?
No. DHS says limited-term cards must be renewed in person with documents showing your status is still valid.
How many proofs of address do I need?
At least 2 under federal rules; your state decides which kinds.
This item on the checklist
“Apply for a state ID or driver’s license” is a free item in the My USA Plan checklist . The first 30 items are free, and the full 91 items cost US$9.90 once, not a subscription.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-28. This article is not legal advice.
- 6 CFR Part 37 (govinfo, 2025 edition):https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2025-title6-vol1/xml/CFR-2025-title6-vol1-part37.xml
- DHS REAL ID: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
- DHS REAL ID FAQ: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs