NEW YORK (PIX11) – The deadline to obtain a REAL ID for air travel is less than a month away, but some may wonder about the identification card’s impact on non-citizens.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, residents can still apply for a REAL ID card even if they are not U.S. citizens, even if their identity cannot be assured, or if their lawful presence cannot be determined.
However, some states may issue noncompliant cards to undocumented residents that cannot be used to fly domestically, the DHS website says.
Noncompliant cards may have a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards. The DHS also warns that noncompliant cards do not immediately imply that a person is undocumented because they can be given for reasons unrelated to a person’s lawful presence.
Some non-citizens may also be able to get a temporary compliant REAL ID card. The temporary card would be valid for as long as the person is authorized to stay in the U.S. or for up to one year if there’s no definite end period.
Residents who are lawfully present in the U.S. without citizenship must bring the documents listed below to apply for a REAL ID card.
REAL ID Documentation for Non-U.S. Citizens
- 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
- Social security number or original copy of SSA ineligibility letter
- Two documents that show proof of residency
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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