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: 2026-07-01.

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

License and ID options across states

License or ID typeTypically availableStatus requiredFee rangeNotes
Standard driver’s license (Class C/D/E)✅ YESLawful immigration status required (unless undocumented license below applies)Varies by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleDefault 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 residenceVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleRequired for domestic US flights as of May 7, 2025. Star symbol on top right.
Driver’s license for undocumented residents19 states + DCVaries by stateVaries by stateSee your state’s page in the driver’s-license matrix.
State ID (non-driving)✅ YESStatus not required in most states for ID-onlyVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleFor people who don’t drive. Same identity-verification requirements as license.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)Five statesUS citizens onlyN/AOnly available in MI, MN, NY, VT, WA — use a US passport card or passport instead.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)✅ YES (Class A, B, C)SSN REQUIRED by federal law (49 CFR 383.153) + lawful statusVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleFor 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 licenseVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleUsually an endorsement on regular license. Separate skill + knowledge test required.
Learner’s permit✅ YESTypically 15-15.5 years old + parent consentVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleFirst step toward full license. Requires supervised driving with licensed adult.
Provisional/junior license✅ YESTypically 16-17 years old after permit periodVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleLimited hours, passenger restrictions. Auto-converts to full license at 18.
Disabled parking placard✅ YESMedical certificationVaries by state — check your state’s official fee scheduleIssued separately from license.

Where REAL ID stands

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: prove identity (passport or certified birth certificate), Social Security Number, and two proofs of residency in your state. 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, US citizens only) remain valid for driving.

Common reasons each license type matters for immigrants

  • Standard or undocumented license → drive legally, count as an I-9 List B identity document (List B proves identity only — a separate List C work-authorization document, such as an unrestricted Social Security card, is also required)
  • 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