Can a Non US Citizen Get a Real ID Card?
Even if you aren’t an American citizen, you can still obtain a New York state driver’s license and ID card; however, in order to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities you will require an authentic federally compliant Real ID.
While Real ID may seem appealing for its security benefits, its implementation will actually have detrimental repercussions for some of society’s most vulnerable members. Immigrants unable to meet stringent documentation requirements will become ineligible for Real ID cards – in extreme cases this could have serious economic and social ramifications for families living without documentation status; also due to fear of persecution undocumented immigrants may avoid cooperating with police and public safety officials due to an ID that visually displays their immigration status.
To qualify for a Real ID, you must provide original and certified documents demonstrating your identity, state residency, and lawful presence in the US. Requirements differ by state but usually include birth certificate or consular report of foreign birth as proof of age; passport; or document issued from official government agencies with raised/embossed seal; current social security number in your legal name as evidence.
Documents can be difficult for migrants to acquire; those living on the streets, returning from imprisonment or without documentation may face difficulty acquiring these papers. Even for those who already possess them, collecting them could take long and cost money.