Can Green Card Holders Get Real ID?

Becoming a legal permanent resident in the US means possessing a “green card”, although some still refer to it as such. With your green card you are free to live and work anywhere in the country as well as take advantage of certain federal benefits like social security payments and financial aid for school.

Only when flying domestically or entering federal buildings will you need a Real ID document. In such instances, standard driver’s license or identification won’t suffice; rather you will require valid passport, an EAD card (old version or new), PRC card or any of the documentation listed as part of a Real ID application process.

Permanent Residents typically find it easier than citizens to secure Real ID cards due to having both birth certificates and biometric passports – two documents many citizens do not possess.

Can Green Card Holders Achieve Real ID? Green-card holders may be able to obtain real identification depending on their state of residence; some offer special provisions while others require all immigration documents as evidence of lawful stay in the US. DACA and TPS holders have additional requirements such as providing birth certificate, passport and proof of lawful stay documents – it is crucial that an experienced attorney assist in this process.