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Obtaining a Driver's License or State Identification Card in IDAHO

Immigrants can obtain an Idaho driver's license or state ID, including the Federal REAL ID-Compliant Star Card, by providing documentation of their identity, lawful presence, Social Security number, and Idaho residency. The specific requirements vary based on the applicant's immigration status.

Standard requirements for all applicants

All applicants must be prepared to provide original, valid, and unexpired documents to prove the following categories:

Proof of identity and lawful presence: This is typically a single document that establishes your name, date of birth, and legal status.
Proof of Social Security number (SSN): For immigrants authorized for employment, a valid SSN is required.
Proof of Idaho residency: All applicants need to show two separate documents that prove they live in Idaho.

Documentation based on immigration status

Permanent resident

Proof of identity and lawful presence:
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
Proof of SSN: Social Security card.
Proof of Idaho residency: Two documents displaying your name and principal Idaho residential address.

Immigrant with work authorization

Proof of identity and lawful presence: Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-766 or I-688B). Asylum seekers with a valid EAD are eligible to apply.

Proof of SSN: Social Security card.
Proof of Idaho residency: Two documents displaying your name and principal Idaho residential address.

Immigrant without employment authorization

For temporary foreign nationals not authorized for employment, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will verify your USCIS number.

Proof of identity and lawful presence: Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa affixed, accompanied by Form I-94.
Proof of SSN: You will need to bring a letter of denial for an SSN from the Social Security Administration.
Proof of Idaho residency: Two documents displaying your name and principal Idaho residential address.

The application process

Use the "Add the Star" tool: The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has an online interactive tool that creates a customized list of documents you need to bring based on your specific situation. This helps ensure you have all the required paperwork.
Gather your documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your status, ensuring they are original and unexpired. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, you must provide official documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, for every name change.
Visit a DMV office: Bring your documents to your local county DMV office to apply. You will be required to pass a vision test and, for a driver's license, a written and driving skills test.
Pay the fee: Be prepared to pay the applicable fee for the card.

Acceptable residency documents

You must provide two documents from different sources showing your name and current physical address in Idaho. Examples include:

Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statement or deed
Utility or financial account statements
Tax documents (e.g., W-2)
Pay stub or employment verification
Idaho school enrollment records
Shelter certification from a relief agency

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This page is dedicated to helping explain the process of obtaining Identification Cards, Driver's Licenses, and other agencies that you will need to register with when arriving in Idaho.

Obtaining a Social Security Card in Idaho.

For immigrants in Idaho, the process for getting a Social Security card depends on their immigration status and eligibility for work authorization.

For immigrants with work authorization

Generally, only non-citizens authorized to work by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). There are two primary ways to apply for an SSN if you have work authorization:

1. Apply with your immigration form
The most convenient method is to apply for an SSN at the same time you file for work authorization, permanent residency, or naturalization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): You can complete the section on this form to request an SSN. If your Form I-765 is approved, USCIS will send the necessary data to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you will receive your SSN card in the mail separately from your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Similarly, you can request an SSN when applying for lawful permanent residency. The SSA will send your card after USCIS approves your permanent residence application.

2. Apply directly at an SSA office
If you did not request an SSN on your USCIS application, you must apply in person at a Social Security office.

Wait to receive your immigration document: You must wait until you have received your approved immigration document (e.g., your EAD or Permanent Resident Card) before you can apply. It is recommended to wait 10 days after your U.S. entry for your records to update.
Gather documents: You will need to bring original documents proving your immigration status, age, and identity. For example, your unexpired EAD or Permanent Resident Card, along with a foreign birth certificate or passport for age verification.
Contact an SSA office: You can find your nearest SSA office in Idaho by using the online locator tool at www.ssa.gov/locator or by calling the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.

For immigrants without work authorization

If you are lawfully present but not authorized to work, you can still apply for an SSN, but only for a valid, non-work reason.

Valid non-work reason: You must be able to prove you need an SSN to satisfy a federal or state law that requires an SSN to receive a specific benefit or service.
Non-work SSN card: If approved, you will receive a Social Security card marked "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT".
Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN): If you only need a number for tax purposes, you should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS instead.