Can immigrants get Real IDs? | Fact brief

Immigrants can obtain Real IDs — federally compliant ID cards — if they can show proof oflegal presence in the United States.

In most cases, that means showing a permanent resident card, also known as a green card.Other acceptable forms of proof include a foreign passport with a U.S. visa or other officialimmigration entry documents. All applicants — immigrant or not — must provide proof ofresidency and a Social Security number.

As of May 7, a Real ID or valid passport is required for commercial air travel or to enter federalgovernment facilities, military installations and nuclear power plants. The Maine Bureau ofMotor Vehicles began issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards on July 1,2019.

Real IDs look similar to standard driver’s licenses and ID cards but have a star in the upper rightcorner and meet higher federal security standards enacted after 9/11.