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State ID for immigrants — by state

Non-driving state ID cards by state. Useful for I-9 employment verification, opening a bank account, or any situation requiring photo ID without a driver's

State ID for immigrants — by state

Non-driving state ID cards by state. Useful for I-9 employment verification, opening a bank account, or any situation requiring photo ID without a driver’s license. Most states issue regardless of immigration status.

Browse by state

Last verified: 2026-05-27.

General information — not legal advice. Verify current rules with the issuing agency.

License and ID options available in State Id By State

License or ID typeAvailable in State Id By StateStatus requiredFee rangeNotes
Standard driver’s license (Class C/D/E)✅ YESLawful immigration status required (unless undocumented license below applies)$25-$80 (5-year typical)Default for most adults. Renews every 4-8 years. Most common identification document for adults.
REAL ID compliant license✅ YESLawful status required + proof of identity, SSN, two proofs of residenceSame as standard or +$5-$30Required for domestic US flights as of May 7, 2025. Star symbol on top right.
Driver’s license for undocumented residents❌ NON/A — not offeredN/A—
State ID (non-driving)✅ YESStatus not required in most states for ID-only$10-$40For people who don’t drive. Same identity-verification requirements as license.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)❌ NOUS citizen OR LPRN/AOnly available in MI, MN, NY, VT, WA — use a US passport card or passport instead in State Id By State.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)✅ YES (Class A, B, C)SSN REQUIRED by federal law (49 CFR 383.71) + lawful status$100-$200 + endorsement feesFor driving commercial vehicles (semi-trucks, buses, hazmat). Subject to federal medical certification, drug/alcohol testing. ITIN does NOT qualify for CDL — must have SSN.
Motorcycle license (Class M)✅ YESSame as regular license$15-$50Usually an endorsement on regular license. Separate skill + knowledge test required.
Learner’s permit✅ YESTypically 15-15.5 years old + parent consent$15-$40First step toward full license. Requires supervised driving with licensed adult.
Provisional/junior license✅ YESTypically 16-17 years old after permit period$20-$60Limited hours, passenger restrictions. Auto-converts to full license at 18.
Disabled parking placard✅ YESMedical certification (no immigration status required)$0-$10Issued separately from license. Renewable every 2-4 years.

Where State Id By State REAL ID status sits in 2025

REAL ID became mandatory for boarding domestic US commercial flights on May 7, 2025 (49 CFR 1560). Without a REAL ID-compliant license OR an alternative federal ID (US passport, passport card, military ID, etc.), you cannot board a domestic flight. International flights always required a passport.

To qualify for a REAL ID in State Id By State: prove identity (passport or certified birth certificate), Social Security Number, two proofs of State Id By State residency. Lawful immigration status is required. Undocumented residents cannot obtain REAL ID — but the standard license, undocumented license (in states that allow it), and Enhanced Driver’s License (in EDL states for citizens/LPRs) remain valid for driving.

Common reasons each license type matters for immigrants

  • Standard or undocumented license → drive legally, satisfy I-9 employment verification (List B if accompanied by SSA letter for List C)
  • REAL ID → board domestic US flights (post May 7, 2025)
  • State ID (non-driving) → identity for opening bank accounts, signing leases, voting in some jurisdictions, registering children for school
  • Enhanced DL (where available) → cross US-Canada or US-Mexico land border without passport
  • CDL → drive commercial trucks/buses (must have SSN; not available to ITIN-only)
  • Motorcycle license → separate skill demonstration; endorsement on regular license

Identification and rights

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.