How to obtain an identity document in the USA?
Driver's license | Driver ID, which is the main identification document in the United States, will have to wait for now, we are still learning the theory. First, we went to get a Non-driver ID.
Non-driver ID - an identity card without the right to drive a car, issued at any age. This is not a passport. The passport is used to travel outside the country. But if you lose your driver's license or ID, you can make do with it until the documents are restored. Non-driver ID comes in several types:
-Real ID
-Default
-Enhanced
Real ID differs from Standard in that Real ID can be used to fly within the US and to enter federal offices. Now you can also fly using a Standard ID, but this opportunity will disappear after May 3, 2025, so I recommend applying for a Driver License or Non-driver Real ID right away. Enhanced - only for US citizens.
Non-driver ID is needed in order to:
-Open a bank account
-Receive benefits, insurance, buy or rent housing/take out a loan for real estate
-Buy/rent a car
-Get married
-To have a pet
-Buy a barrel, in the end, to become a real American, etc.
To obtain one, you need to go to the state Department of Motor Vehicles with a pre-registration, but some you can come to without an appointment. What do you need?
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Passport
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A document confirming the address is better - Bank Statement and Utility Bill (simple letters will not work)
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SSN, if you don’t have it, you need to get a certificate from the SSA stating that you are not entitled to it
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Form i-94 or visa in passport
Come to the DMV, fill out an application, they take a photo of you, and after 2 weeks the ID arrives in the mail. While waiting, a temporary one is given. The ID is issued until the expiration date of Form i-94. The application fee is $6.
Now let's talk about the New York State ID. IDNYC is an identity card that is issued at the age of 14 to people living in New York, valid for 5 years. The card gives a discount to museums, cinemas and a bunch of other places. How to apply?
1. Take your country’s passport/driving documents/any other ID + proof of residence
2. Fill out the application (available in Russian). Take it here.
3.Google the address of the IDNYC office and go there, submit only in person.
4. The card is produced within 10-14 days, it will arrive by mail or you can pick it up at the office where it was issued.
The best option would be to immediately apply for a Driver License Real ID, because it is universal and suitable for flying and driving a car throughout the United States.
If you do not need to drive a car, then you should apply for a Non-driver Real ID.
This information does not constitute legal advice.
Source: Telegram channel “Lukova & Lyubimov in USA”
