State ID by immigration status — all paths
State ID paths by immigration status. REAL ID, non-REAL ID, matricula consular options. Requirements and where to get each.
State ID by immigration status — all paths
State IDs are non-driving identification cards. They are issued by DMVs. Like driver’s licenses, eligibility depends on your immigration status.
About this page: This is procedural information organized by immigration status. We list the path each status can take — you self-identify which applies. This is not personalized legal advice or eligibility determination.
Path 1: US Citizen / LPR — REAL ID-compliant state ID
If you are USC or LPR
Apply for a standard REAL ID state ID at DMV. Required: SSN, passport or birth certificate, two proofs of state residency. REAL ID is needed for domestic flights starting 2025.
Documents typically needed:
- US passport or birth certificate OR green card
- Social Security card
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $10-$40
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 2: DACA, EAD holders — Standard state ID
If you have EAD (DACA, asylee, refugee, TPS)
Get standard state ID matching your EAD duration. NOT REAL ID-compliant in some states. Use EAD + supporting docs.
Documents typically needed:
- EAD card
- I-94 record
- Passport
- Two proofs of state residency
Cost: $10-$40
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Path 3: Undocumented — State ID without SSN states
If you are undocumented and live in an SSN-alternative state
16+ states issue state IDs without SSN/proof of status. Use foreign passport, matricula consular, and state residency proof. Check our state-by-state list at /procedures/state-id-without-ssn-by-state/.
Documents typically needed:
- Foreign passport or matricula consular
- Two proofs of state residency
- Some states require state tax filing
Cost: $10-$40
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Path 4: Matricula Consular (any state)
If you need ID accepted by banks and some agencies
Matricula consular is issued by Mexican, Guatemalan, Salvadoran, etc. consulates regardless of US immigration status. Accepted by: most US banks (for accounts), some DMVs (for licenses), some state agencies. NOT accepted for: federal benefits, USCIS petitions, domestic flights.
Documents typically needed:
- Passport from home country (most consulates)
- Proof of US address
Cost: $25-$50 (consulate fee)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks (appointment + processing)
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice. For specific situations consult an attorney or BIA-accredited representative.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
Why list options by immigration status?
Will authorities report me if I use these services?
What if my status changes while I'm in process?
Is this list legal and official?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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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.